The Ochsner Media Blog

Elmwood Fitness Center Links Video Games with Exercise to Fight Childhood Obesity

2010-08-03T16:26:00.001-05:00

NEW ORLEANS – With childhood obesity rates increasing across the nation, one local fitness center is helping children fight fat with fun. Elmwood Fitness Center in Harahan now offers the latest fitness technology designed to get children off the sofa and into physical activity, called XRKade.

Parents are invited to bring their children to a FREE grand opening event on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to experience this new technology in action. The event will be held in Kidsports at Elmwood Fitness Center in Harahan, 1200 South Clearview Parkway, Suite 1200, in Elmwood Plaza Shopping Center.

XRKade is an active gaming system that links video games to exercise equipment to make working out more like playing an intense, interactive video game that allows you to compete with the people around you in real-time.

“With this system, children and adults use their bodies to play engaging, interactive games, kind of like a Wii, but with more physical activity,” said Damon Kremer, Director of Operations. “With this system, you’re not just riding a stationary bike, you’re racing other players up a mountainside. This is the next generation of active gaming, and it’s so much fun you hardly remember you’re exercising.”

Ochsner Health System is committed to improving the health of children and adults in Southeast Louisiana. Visit ochsner.org/community to find out more about how Ochsner is working to make our region healthier.

Ochsner Health System (www.ochsner.org) is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has received the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 14 consecutive years and is ranked as a “Best” Hospital by U.S. News and World Report. Ochsner employs more than 12,000 employees, over 750 physicians in 90 medical specialties and subspecialties, and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually.

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Survey: 30 percent on Gulf Coast Suffer From Mental Illness in Wake of Oil Spill

2010-07-29T13:44:00.000-05:00

Psychological Distress Indicators in Louisiana Higher than After Hurricane Katrina

New Orleans – The oil spill ravaging the Gulf of Mexico has inflicted widespread psychological distress among coastal residents of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, etching scars even deeper than those whipped by Hurricane Katrina, according to a survey by Ochsner Health System, a nonprofit, academic healthcare delivery system.

The survey of the four-state area, the first to measure mental health impacts after the explosion aboard BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig off the Louisiana coast on April 20, found three in every 10 people surveyed (30 percent) suffer from “probable serious” or “probable mild-moderate” mental illness, based on the K6 psychological distress scale. The percentage of those suffering from serious mental illness varied, depending on location:

• Louisiana: 18 percent
• Florida: 14 percent
• Mississippi: 12 percent
• Alabama: 10 percent

The percentage of Louisiana respondents afflicted with serious mental illness is double what it was among South Louisiana residents in July 2007, two years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the state.

“To see so many people mired in psychological misery and in worse shape than they were after Katrina is disheartening,” said Dr. Joseph E. Bisordi, M.D., FACP, Ochsner’s chief medical officer. “This benchmark identifies the need for mental health services throughout the region. So that coastal residents can more quickly reclaim their lives, our region needs the immediate support of BP and the federal government to fund mental health resources. We cannot afford to delay any further.”

The younger respondents and those most financially vulnerable are at greatest peril for the mental health impacts of the calamitous spill, which has fouled fishing grounds, beaches and wetlands by gushing more than 92 million gallons into the Gulf, based on federal estimates.

The lowest income category (less than $25,000 annually) has the largest percentage (32 percent) of respondents classified as having probable serious mental illness. In contrast, only 2 percent of respondents whose annual incomes are more than $100,000 have the same classification.

Gulf Coast residents reported the most stress from money problems (34 percent) and work issues (19 percent), while relationship difficulties, substance abuse and missed appointments with mental health professionals added to their woes during the ongoing disaster.

Younger respondents (21-44 years old) more frequently reported that they are stressed by money (40 percent) and work (33 percent). And 22 percent of younger respondents likely suffer from serious mental illness.

“There’s no doubt that the oil spill has visited psychological torment among Gulf Coast communities,” said Dr. Bisordi. “Life has changed completely for many. Fishing, for instance, is a way of life for a lot of residents, a backbone of our coastal economy. But a fishing ban in much of the Gulf has disrupted livelihoods as people fear the oil will contaminate fish, shrimp and oysters.”

Nearly two of every five surveyed (37 percent) said they were “sad” or “depressed” at least a little of the time during the past 30 days.

“You can scrub the sand, and you can skim the sea,” said Dr. Bisordi, “But psychological pain sinks much deeper. It will stay embedded in people, unless we give them relief.”

About Ochsner
Ochsner Health System (www.ochsner.org) is southeast Louisiana's largest nonprofit, academic, multispecialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and more than 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has received the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 14 consecutive years and is ranked as a "Best" Hospital by U.S. News and World Report. Ochsner employs more than 12,000 employees and more than 750 physicians in 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts more than 300 clinical research trials annually.

About the survey
The survey was conducted by Market Dynamics Research Group (MDRG), which used a quantitative methodology with data gathered via telephone survey between June 25, 2010, and July 1, 2010. The 406 respondents were at least 21 years old. The total results reflect the population distributions of the parishes and counties.

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Ochsner Medical Center Ranked Among Best Hospitals In America

2010-07-16T16:57:00.003-05:00

Only Louisiana Hospital Recognized by U.S. News & World Report across Seven Specialty Categories

New Orleans – July 16, 2010 – Ochsner Medical Center has been named one of America’s best hospitals, cited for its exceptional delivery of medical care across seven categories, according to U.S. News and World Report. The recognition was published online on July 15, 2010, as well as in the August print edition, available on newsstands July 27.

“Since Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact to our region’s healthcare infrastructure 5-years ago, Ochsner has been focused on recruiting top medical professionals from around the country in more than 90 specialties and subspecialties,” said Dr. Patrick Quinlan, chief executive officer of Ochsner Health System. “Being named among the best hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report is confirmation that we have built a nationally recognized quality healthcare organization with outstanding health professionals.”

Out of 4,852 facilities analyzed for the 2010-11 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings, only 3 percent earned a ranking in any of the 16 specialties. Ochsner, by contrast, earned a ranking in seven specialty categories, including:
• Ranked 23rd in Heart & Heart Surgery
• Ranked 28th in Ear, Nose & Throat
• Ranked 31st in Gastroenterology
• Ranked 36th in Orthopedics
• Ranked 36th in Pulmonology
• Ranked 39th in Gynecology
• Ranked 41st in Geriatrics

“Ochsner’s top priority has always been to provide the best possible care for our community and to be a best-in-class example for our nation’s healthcare providers,” said Warner L. Thomas, president and chief operating officer of Ochsner Health System. “This testifies to the hard work of Ochsner’s physicians, nurses and allied health professionals, and their unwavering dedication to improve health outcomes for the Gulf region. We are honored to be recognized among the best hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report.”

U.S. News and World Report Hospital Ranking Criteria
The rankings in 12 of the 16 specialties were driven by hard data such as death rates, procedure volume, and balance of nurses and patients. In the four remaining specialties – ophthalmology, psychiatry, rehabilitation and rheumatology – hospitals were ranked on reputation alone.

To be considered in any of the 12 data-driven specialties, a hospital must meet at least one of four criteria: It had to be a teaching hospital; or be affiliated with a medical school; or have at least 200 beds; or have 100 or more beds and the availability of four or more types of medical technology considered important in a high-quality medical facility, such as a PET/CT scanner and certain precision radiation therapies.

Next, hospitals had to meet a volume requirement, individually calculated for each specialty. The required volume was the number of Medicare inpatients from 2006 to 2008 who had various specified procedures and conditions in the specialty. A hospital that fell short could still qualify if it had been nominated by at least one physician in any of the U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals reputational surveys conducted in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Previous Ochsner “Best Hospitals” listings include:
• 1996: Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Rheumatology
• 1997: Oncology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonary Disease, Rheumatology
• 1998: Cardiology, Gastroenterology, ENT, Rheumatology
• 1999: Cardiology
• 2000: Cardiology, Gynecology, Rheumatology and Urology
• 2001: Gastroenterology
• 2004: Endocrinology
• 2007: Ear, Nose & Throat
• 2009: Ear, Nose & Throat
• 2009: Urology
• 2009: Heart & Heart Surgery (ranked 48th)

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Groovin’ to Keep Louisiana “Stayin Alive” in Organ Donation

2010-06-04T11:28:00.003-05:00

Ochsner Health System “Save Nine” Disco Video Seeks to Attract Organ Donors

NEW ORLEANS – In an effort to increase organ donation in Louisiana, celebrate the gift of life, and reach a diverse audience, New Orleans based Ochsner Health System has released a disco video with a pop culture appeal – costumed organs and real-life transplant recipients dancing around New Orleans landmarks to the Bee Gee’s hit song Stayin’ Alive. The goal of the video is to increase the LOPA organ donor registry by 6,000 over the next 6 months. The video, titled Save Nine, as every person who becomes an organ donor can potentially save nine other lives, is live on www.ochsner.org/savenine.

Ochsner asks the public to join this life-saving effort by simply viewing the video at www.ochsner.org/savenine then registering to become an organ donor.

“Organ donors are true heroes who’ve saved and enhanced lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. In order to reach and educate a broader audience on the impact of their choices, Ochsner chose to take an unconventional approach and get the public’s attention,” explains Dr. Ana Hands, Director of International Health and Transplant Services, Ochsner Health System.

Dr. Hands explains, “If 6,000 additional residents registered to become a donor, more than 54,000 lives could be saved or enhanced – the impact is tremendous and it only takes a few minutes to register.” One organ donor can save up to nine lives, and one tissue donor can enhance the lives of 50 individuals.

If more people became donors - patients, hospitals, and transplant centers around the world will have a greater opportunity to save and enhance more lives. “A better understanding of organ donation is needed to make this choice more comfortable and gratifying,” says Hands. Below are facts that dispel many of the most common transplant myths:

Fact: When you’re in the hospital, saving your life is the number one priority of doctors and nurses.
Fact: Even if you’re under 18, you can make your wish to become a donor known to a parent or guardian.
Fact: There is no defined age for organ donation; organ function instead of age is evaluated at the time of death.
Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions.

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Local Residents “Race Across America” to Fight Childhood Obesity

2010-05-28T13:32:00.000-05:00

Team Ochsner Athletes Prepare for a 3,000 Mile Bicycle Ride

NEW ORLEANS – Its extreme bicycling (3,000 miles to be exact) by local New Orleanians to raise awareness of childhood obesity. On June 12, 2010, Team Ochsner will join over 200 international athletes at the competitive cycling event “Race Across America,” stretching from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland. Team Ochsner will be posting updates along the race route on Twitter.

Search www.twitter.com/teamochsner to keep up with the team.

“This will be the biggest challenge of my life, but it’s worth it to raise awareness of the need to fight childhood obesity in New Orleans and across America,” says Scot Young, a manager at Ochsner’s Elmwood Fitness Center. The riding team is comprised of local residents and Ochsner employees who are riding to fight childhood obesity: Gary Borgstede, Perry Braniff, Johnn Chauvin, Doug Connor, Dr. Richard Deichmann, Chip Porter, Marty Springer and Scot Young. The crew team includes Larry Borgstede, Alex Bush, Matt Connor, Gary DeValcourt, Sam Johnson and Willie Maklary.

Team Ochsner is striving to complete the race in 6 days rather than the allotted 12 days by covering more distance each day. Taking turns, each of Team Ochsner’s cyclists will spin their wheels for three hours each day and cover 50 to 60 miles each, which equals over 400 miles a day by the entire team. “We’ve invested the time and training required for this type of event and we’re excited to make the journey,” says Young.

The 3,000 mile journey is a testament to the benefits of good exercise and proper nutrition. Each rider is anticipated to burn between 2,500 and 3,500 calories each day, and they’ll be fueling up on the right foods to keep them going. With the assistance of a crew, the entire team will be traveling in a RV, which allows them to prepare their own meals. The menu will include spaghetti with meat sauce, red beans and rice, and jambalaya. For meals and snacks between rides, healthy fuel will include turkey, ham or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, bananas, oranges, apples, nuts and cereals. Each rider will also pack the necessary amounts of liquids to stay hydrated during the entire race.

Team Ochsner is working to raise awareness on the prevention of childhood obesity and funding of educational tools by the Ochsner Change the Kids, Change the Future initiative. Here’s how you can donate to the cause:

1) Go to ochsner.org and click on the "Donate & Volunteer" tab at the top of the page.
2) Click on the online icon.
3) Fill out your information on the donation page and put "RAAM" in the "other" field as the designation of your gift.

This year’s “Race Across America” consists of 40 teams and 30 solo riders, bringing the total number of racers to 232 individuals from 17 different countries.
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$100,000 Humana Foundation Grant Supports Healthy Initiatives in Jefferson Parish Schools

2010-05-14T09:27:00.000-05:00

NEW ORLEANS – The Humana Foundation has awarded Ochsner’s “Change the Kids, Change the Future” program a $100,000 grant which Ochsner will use to expand its healthy initiatives within the Jefferson Parish School System; specifically, conducting a year-long assessment of current physical activity and nutrition programs in schools and documenting successful, state-wide “best practices” programs such as Bissonet Plaza Elementary which include programs such as student tasting days, morning walk/run programs open to parents and the mile club.

• Representatives from The Humana Foundation will host a brief check presentation on Friday, May 14 at 9:00am at the Bonnabel Magnet Academy School-Based Health Center, 2801 Bruin Dr., Kenner.

• All representatives will then visit Bissonet Plaza Elementary, 6818 Kawanee Ave., Metairie, at 1:00pm to highlight some of the school’s best practices with the hopes of replicating these throughout the school system to improve students’ overall health.

Bissonet Plaza Elementary was recently selected as a recipient of the annual School Health Award for the 2008-2009 school year by the Louisiana Department of Education. The School Health Award recognizes activities that encourage students to develop lifelong healthful eating and physical activity habits and Bissonet's innovative health program will now be featured as a best practice in Louisiana.

“At The Humana Foundation, our goal is to support strategies that result in healthier children and families,” said Virginia Kelly Judd, Executive Director of The Humana Foundation. “We are delighted to sponsor Ochsner’s ‘Change the Kids, Change the Future’ initiative and its outcomes-based approach to promote healthy children and healthy schools.”

“As a business leader, Ochsner can help ensure our children’s strong future by supporting local schools in creating healthier bodies and minds. The support of The Humana Foundation will enable us to further support the cultural changes needed to further our mission,” says Dr. Pat Quinlan, CEO, Ochsner Health System.

“We are very proud to enhance our partnership with Ochsner through this grant from Humana,” said Dr. Diane Roussel, Superintendent of the Jefferson Parish Public School System. “We know that there is a correlation between good health and academic achievement and we’re excited to be able to help other schools replicate Bissonet’s success.”

About The Humana Foundation (www.HumanaFoundation.org), established in 1981, is the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., one of the nation’s leading health-benefits companies. The Foundation is located in Louisville, Ky., the site of Humana’s corporate headquarters. The Foundation’s mission is to support charitable activities that promote healthy lives and healthy communities.

About The Jefferson Parish Public School System (www.jppss.k12.la.us) is the second largest district in the state of Louisiana and is nationally ranked in the top 100 for student enrollment. There are 86 schools located on the east and west banks of Jefferson Parish with a total enrollment of more than 43,000 students. Employees total more than 6,200, of which almost 3,000 are teachers. 96% of the school district’s teachers are state certified and 123 teachers are nationally board certified, which is the highest in the state.

About Ochsner Health System (www.ochsner.org) is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner employs more than 12,000 employees, over 750 physicians in 90 medical specialties and subspecialties, and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually.

Dedication of Joint New Orleans/Australian Medical School

2010-05-10T10:18:00.000-05:00

International Partnership with Ochsner Medical Center & the University of Queensland
NEW ORLEANS – On Monday, May 10, 2010, at 12:00 pm, Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway will host a formal dedication of The University of Queensland (UQ) School of Medicine Clinical School at Ochsner featuring the following UQ dignitaries:

• Professor Paul Greenfield, AO, Vice Chancellor of the University of Queensland
• Professor Nick Fisk, Executive Dean, Health Sciences of the University of Queensland
• Professor David Wilkinson, Head, School of Medicine of the University of Queensland

Following the dedication, Ochsner and UQ representatives will travel to Baton Rouge to meet with Louisiana Governor, Bobby Jindal, Senator Joel Chaisson, Speaker of the Senate, and James (Jim) Tucker, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The UQ School of Medicine Clinical School at Ochsner is a unique, joint affiliation that provides U.S. medical students with unprecedented, international-medical training experience. The collaboration, which began in 2009, provides both overseas (Brisbane, Australia) and U.S. (New Orleans) education for Australian and American medical students.

“Very few organizations in the world offer this type of collaboration, whereby U.S. medical students can broaden their medical training and experience to receive some of the best education opportunities of two different countries,” explains Dr. William W. Pinsky, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Ochsner Health System.

The University of Queensland Medical School in Brisbane, Australia, is fully accredited by the Australian Medical Council, the official entity that establishes the highest standards possible for Australian medical schools, and is one of Australia's leading medical schools.

Ochsner Hosts Health & Fitness Senior Day at Manhattan Athletic Club

2010-05-04T09:14:00.000-05:00

Free Screenings, Physician Lectures and a Healthy Lunch Offered to Local Seniors
HARVEY, LA – It’s a “Golden Opportunity” for West Bank Seniors on Thursday, May 13, as Ochsner West Bank’s Golden Opportunity club and Manhattan Athletic Club are teaming together to host “Senior Day,” a FREE event for adults ages 50 and older. Festivities will take place from 9am-3pm, at the Manhattan Athletic Club, 4162 Manhattan Boulevard.

“Senior Day is a great opportunity for adults over 50 to take advantage of free health screenings and tips from fitness experts on age appropriate exercises,” explains Dr. Yvens Laborde, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank. “Regular health screenings like blood pressure and cholesterol checks, when paired with healthy eating and exercise, can significantly reduce improve quality of life and longevity.”

Several local Ochsner physicians will present 30-minute lectures; discussions will include:
• Pearls of Wisdom (Dr. John Phillips, Ochsner Emergency Care)
• Vitamins and Supplements (Dr. Amanda Fontenot, Ochsner Primary Care)
• Breast Cancer (Dr. Adam Riker, Ochsner Surgical Oncologist)

Local residents will enjoy the following “Senior Day” activities:
• Aquatic Exercise Demonstration
• BodyFlow Demonstration
• Light House for the Blind seminar
• Personal Safety demonstration
• Medicare Fraud lecture
• Cycling Tips from a personal trainer
• Manhattan Athletic Club Tours
• Free blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL and glucose screenings (9am to 2pm only)
• Free, healthy lunch provided by Morrison’s Healthcare Food Services

To register, call 1-866-OCHSNER. Space is limited.

**If you are deaf or hard of hearing and would like an interpreter during the event, please call in advance.

Ochsner Welcomes High School, “STAR Program,” Class of 2010

2010-04-20T16:45:00.000-05:00

NEW ORLEANS – The Ochsner STAR program (Science, Technology, Academics and Research) is a free, summer program for high school students, providing hands-on experience in scientific research within a medical lab setting. The 2010 STAR class includes 16 high school students from five surrounding parishes, making this the largest class in the program’s four year history. Students are as follows:

Student (Hometown) High School
Samuel Alexander (Marrero) St. Augustine
Mohammed Chowdhury (Kenner) Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy
Marcus Davis (Metairie) Metairie Park Country Day
Cambrey Dent (Destrehan) Destrehan High School
Rene Girard (Gretna) Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy
Aksheta Jain (St. Rose) Louisiana School for Math Science & the Arts
Keiera James (New Orleans) Lusher Charter School
Carolyn Le Thomas (Marrero) Jefferson High School
Ashleigh Ledet (Kenner) Mount Carmel Academy
Prudhvi Mandava (Kenner) Jesuit High School
Ramzy Muhsen (Gretna) Brother Martin High School
De'Jana Parker (Harvey) Thomas Jefferson High School
JaBrielle Manuel (Kenner) Crescent City Christian School
Brett Salomon (Kenner) John Curtis Christian
Catherine Santos (Gretna) Dominican High School
Haley Severin (New Orleans) Benjamin Franklin High School

The STAR Program gives students an opportunity to participate in hands-on scientific research in a laboratory setting with research-funded scientists in the areas of Molecular Genetics, Molecular Cardiology, Pediatric Endocrinology, Cellular Immunology, Infectious Disease and more. Leadership classes including how to use the Medical Library, Medical Terminology, Effective Teams, workshops on HIPAA, Stress Management, Nutrition and Clinical experiences such as CPR, Radiology, Robotics, Flight Care, Blood Bank and Ochsner’s Burkard Air Sampler (a regionally unique device that measures daily pollen counts) will also be offered.
High school students from schools in Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, Plaquemines and St. Charles parishes were encouraged to apply for the 2010 program. Student applications were evaluated by the STAR Program Panel, including a finalist “meet and greet” for the parents and students.
For more information on Ochsner’s STAR program, visit ochsner.org/star or call Allison Fischtziur at 504-842-5321.
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Ochsner CEO Named in “50 Most Powerful Physician Executives in U.S.”

2010-04-16T09:34:00.000-05:00

Modern Physician Magazine Lists Dr. Patrick Quinlan for 5th Time

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner has announced that Dr. Patrick Quinlan, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Health System, has been named the 14th most powerful physician executive in the nation by Modern Healthcare and Modern Physician magazines. This honor is part of the magazine’s sixth annual ranking of the “50 Most Powerful Physician Executives in Healthcare.” In previous years, Quinlan was ranked accordingly by readers of Modern Physician and Modern Healthcare:

 2010: #14
 2009: #28
 2007: #1
 2006: #10
 2005: #43

Other honorees include executives from the healthcare industry: hospital systems, the U.S. Senate, federal health agencies, patient advocacy groups, health insurance companies, unions, prestigious journals and academic programs. The list was compiled from over 11,000 reader nominations. Rankings can be seen in the April 12, 2010, edition of Modern Healthcare magazine or at www.Modernhealthcare.com.

www.ModernPhysician.com is the leading online source of business news and information for physician executives, leaders and entrepreneurs. This site addresses the issues of most importance to physician executives by providing daily news updates, in-depth feature stories, archives that trace the history and development of the physician executive movement and links to various industry resources.

Ochsner Health System (www.ochsner.org) is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has received the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 14 consecutive years and is ranked as a “Best” Hospital by U.S. News and World Report. Ochsner employs more than 12,000 employees, over 750 physicians in 90 medical specialties and subspecialties, and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually.

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Ochsner Completes Purchase of NorthShore Regional Medical Center

2010-04-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

SLIDELL, LA (April 1, 2010) - Ochsner Health System announced today completion of the purchase of NorthShore Regional Medical Center (NSRMC), its ambulatory surgery center and several pieces of property on which the facility is located in Slidell, Louisiana. With this purchase, NorthShore Regional Medical Center officially becomes Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore, expanding the Ochsner Health System to eight hospitals throughout Southeast Louisiana and providing local residents with an unparalleled continuity of primary and specialty care for their entire family. Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore is a 165-bed acute care, full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency room and the only PICU on the North Shore.

“We’re pleased to welcome the staff of Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore to the Ochsner system and we plan to become more involved in improving the health of the North Shore communities through more accessible, expanded, and specialized care,” says Warner Thomas, President and COO of Ochsner Health System. Thomas goes on to say that specific patient benefits include the convenience of consultations using Ochsner’s electronic medical records, telemedicine, and updated technologies.

As Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore transitions into Ochsner ownership, the medical staff will remain “open,” which means that patients aren’t required to have an Ochsner doctor in order to use the hospital services and any local physician with privileges can use the facility.

Ochsner’s North Shore’s strong patient support of over 250,000 annual visits, from Louisiana and Mississippi residents, provides a strong base for expansion of medical services at Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore. “We are committed to expanding our primary and specialty care services, with particular focus on cardiac, cancer, women’s and pediatric services,” says E. Edward Martin, M.D., Medical Director of the Ochsner North Shore Region. Currently, Ochsner’s North Shore presence includes 110 physicians that provide care to approximately 81,000 residents at ten, North Shore-based health centers in Slidell, Covington, Abita Springs, Hammond, and Mandeville.

Ochsner was represented by Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrere and Denegre in this transaction.

MEDIA NOTICE:
“On Thursday, April 1, from 11:00am – 1:00pm, the staff and employees at Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore will celebrate expansion into the Ochsner Health System with local flavor and flare – enjoying a free jambalaya lunch with local brass band, Swing-A-Roux,” notes Dr. Martin.

Ochsner Medical Center Named a Thomson Reuters 100 Top U.S. Hospital

2010-03-30T15:56:00.001-05:00

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans, a city that’s inaccurately touted as ‘having no healthcare,’ can now boast about having one of the top 100 best hospitals in the country. Today, Tuesday, March 30, Thomas Reuters National Benchmark Study named Ochsner Medical Center one of the 100 Top Hospitals® and Top 15 Major Teaching Hospitals in the nation. This annual review measures the overall performance of nearly 3,000 U.S. hospitals in 10 key areas. This is the 17th annual study; it is highlighted on www.100tophospitals.com and in Modern Healthcare magazine.

“We want our care to be our legacy. As the nation is challenged with health care reform, this award gives assurance to our community that our city has a leading-edge team of physicians and healthcare providers here to serve them now and into the future,” says Dr. Patrick Quinlan, CEO, Ochsner Health System. Within the list, Ochsner Medical Center was one of 15 hospitals listed as a “Major Teaching Hospital” among peers such as the Mayo Clinic, Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The study is divided by Major Teaching Hospitals, Teaching Hospitals, Large Community Hospitals, Medium Community Hospitals, and Small Community Hospitals.

According to researchers, if all Medicare inpatients received the same level of care as those treated at the top 100 hospitals, on an annual basis, 100,000 more lives would be saved, 200,000 fewer complications would occur, patients would spend 4 million fewer days in the hospital, and the cost savings would be $5.5 billion a year.

Thomson Reuters evaluated 2,926 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals and researchers using public information from Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review data, and core measures and patient satisfaction data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Compare data set. The study evaluated hospitals on their performance in 10 areas, including:

1. Mortality
2. Medical complications
3. Patient safety
4. Average length of stay
5. Expenses
6. Profitability
7. Patient satisfaction
8. Clinical care standards
9. Post-discharge mortality
10. Readmission rates for heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia

"Ochsner’s strongest performance is in our exceptionally low mortality and complication rates. As we continue to focus on improving our outcomes, Ochsner Medical Center’s most recent statistics demonstrate a 0.6% mortality rate and 6.3% risk-adjusted, complication rate - both significantly lower than all nationwide averages," explains Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, Medical Director of Quality, Ochsner Health System.

“What also makes this award stand out is the acknowledgement of Ochsner’s commitment to medical education, which is a critical part of the Ochsner mission,” notes Mike Hulefeld, CEO of Ochsner Medical Center. He goes on to explain, “A teaching hospital for over 60 years, in 2010, Ochsner matched 52 medical students and in 2009 announced the opening of the University of Queensland School of Medicine Clinical School at Ochsner, a unique, joint affiliation to provide U.S. medical students with unprecedented training experience.”

Additional awards given for quality and superior care since January 2010 include, Ochsner being ranked among the top 5% in the nation for its exceptional patient outcomes with the Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™ award. Additionally, in July 2009, Ochsner was ranked as a U.S. News and World Report “Best Hospital” in three specialty areas.

“We are proud of our physicians, nurses and all of the Ochsner team for their hard work in achieving this level of clinical outcomes. More importantly, we are proud of the work they do each day to save and change patient’s lives,” says Warner Thomas, President and COO, Ochsner Health System.

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Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium (LCRC) Announces Ochsner Health System as New Partner

2010-03-24T12:52:00.000-05:00

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium (LCRC) (www.lcrc.info) today announced the inclusion of the Ochsner Health System as a new partner. The decision to bring Ochsner into the Consortium was made by the members of the LCRC – LSU Health Sciences Center, Tulane University and Xavier University of Louisiana – with the goal of expanding the LCRC’s cancer research activities, particularly increasing the potential for patient participation in clinical trials through access to Ochsner’s extensive health network.
”Ochsner is a valuable addition to the LCRC partnership,” said Dr. Larry H. Hollier, chairman of the board of the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium. “Collaboration with Ochsner and its local researchers, physicians and neighborhood clinics will further enhance the efforts of our existing LCRC partners to develop a world-class coordinated cancer research and education resource for this region.”
“Ochsner’s involvement in the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium will have a direct and immediate impact on the lives of the people of Louisiana,” says Dr. Patrick J. Quinlan, CEO of Ochsner Health System. “We feel that our participation can only strengthen the existing LCRC team of cancer care experts, clinical experts and research leaders.”
For the past eight years, through the work of its university partners, the LCRC has developed a collaborative cancer alliance that has built successful programs in cancer prevention and control, cultivated state-of-the-art basic research and treatment options, and created cancer education programs for the citizens of Louisiana. LCRC researchers attract over $30 million in federal cancer research grant funding per year to the region, despite decreased federal research budgets and sharply increased competition.
The addition of Ochsner will further enhance and complement the Consortium’s current clinical research efforts through expanded availability of National Institutes of Health, pharmaceutical, and investigator-initiated clinical trials. The eventual goal is to combine the clinical research programs of all partners and provide common access to the LCRC’s cancer trials through all of the Consortium’s clinical outlets.
Funding for the Consortium comes largely from the 2002 legislative session, which dedicated three cents of the tobacco tax to fund infrastructure and cancer research development for the Consortium. With the assistance of Louisiana State Senator John A. Alario, Jr., and others, an amount of $102 million for planning and construction of an LCRC cancer research facility came from the Blanco administration and the Louisiana Legislature in 2007.
Upon completion, the LCRC’s new building, scheduled for a fall 2011 opening, will serve as the physical embodiment of the Consortium’s work. LCRC scientists will be housed under one roof and will be able to continue working side-by-side to jointly study a variety of cancers while designing new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat them.
The new Louisiana Cancer Research Center is located in what is known as the Greater New Orleans Biosciences Economic Development District, an area that will also include the BioInnovation Center on Canal Street, the proposed University Medical Center and the new VA Medical Center, a teaching and research medical complex that will serve the area’s medical and allied health schools.
“With the addition of Ochsner and the growth and development of the city’s biosciences and biomedical industries, the LCRC will be in a better position to achieve NCI (National Cancer Institute) designation,” says Steve Moye, president & CEO of the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium.
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Ochsner Hosts 25th Annual Ochsner Fun Run and Race

2010-03-23T09:04:00.000-05:00

NEW ORLEANS – Spring weather is finally here and the Mississippi River Levee will be the site of the 25th Annual Ochsner Run on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 1514 Jefferson Highway (behind Ochsner Medical Center). The race stretches down River Road and back up the Mississippi River levee to Ochsner’s Main Campus. Registration begins at 3:20 pm; the one-mile walk/run begins at 4:30pm followed by the 5K race at 5:00pm.

Following the races, the “Rhythm & Sole” party gets underway at 5:15pm, with food service beginning at 5:30pm. Highlights include live entertainment by the TopCats and great food from some of New Orleans’ best restaurants. For the little ones, there will be a Teddy Bear Clinic for kids ages 2 through 12 and tours of the Ochsner Flight Care Team helicopter.

Registration is $25 per person now through Race Day. Price includes run registration, party pass, and a long-sleeve run t-shirt. Rhythm & Sole Party tickets are $15 per person or $5 for children ages 5-10; children under 5 get in free. All proceeds from the Ochsner Run will benefit Ochsner Pediatrics, the Nursing Educational Grant Fund, and Competitive Sports Teams at Elmwood Fitness Center. To register, call (504) 842-7113 or http://www.ochsner.org/donate_volunteer/special_events/

Ochsner Reach Out and Read Program Expands

2010-03-18T08:25:00.000-05:00

Destrehan and Metairie Clinics Open Literacy Program for Pediatric Patients

NEW ORLEANS – Tomorrow, Thursday, March 18, from 12pm – 1pm, at 4901 Veterans Blvd in Metairie, Ochsner for Children will celebrate the expansion of its Reach Out and Read program to its Metairie and Destrehan clinics with WWL-TV Anchor, Sally-Ann Roberts, serving as the guest reader. Reach Out and Read, a pediatrician-led childhood literacy program launched at Ochsner in 2009, hopes to distribute over 18,000 books to patients this year.

Infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers at Ochsner for Children in Metairie and Destrehan will now receive a free book at each well check visit and their parents will be encouraged to read aloud to them daily. Literacy is one of the best predictors of overall cognitive development and behavioral health and it can even identify communication delays in young children. The books distributed through the Reach Out and Read program are developmentally and culturally appropriate and range from board books to more complex picture books.

Reach Out and Read will help physicians better diagnose communication disorders by reviewing with parents their observations of a child’s ability to remember stories, point to characters in the books, and eventually develop language and reading skills. “The expansion of this program allows us to help improve the cognitive and behavioral development of our patients through the simple act of reading,” says Dr. Samira Brown, Ochsner Pediatrician. “If a parent will spend time reading with their child every day, the parent-child bond will strengthen and enhance the child’s development,” she adds.

In addition, Reach Out and Read increases dialogue between parents and physicians about their child’s development. “A child’s interest in reading must start with the parent,” explains Dr. Brown. Reading to a child and encouraging literacy sparks imagination and provides children with a lasting foundation for learning.

Reach Out and Read is a national non-profit organization based in Boston that promotes early literacy by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. Nationally, this year physicians will give out five million new books to three million families in the U.S through Reach Out and Read (www.reachoutandread.org.)

“Spring Into Diabetes Management” with Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital

2010-03-17T09:43:00.001-05:00

FREE Ochsner St. Anne Seminar featuring Chef John Wright
Nutritional Tips, Cooking Demonstration, Healthy Luncheon

RACELAND, LA – On Wednesday, March 31st, 10am - 1:30pm, Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital will host “Spring Into Diabetes Management,” a free, community event that will discuss meal planning, showcase a cooking demonstration by Chef John Wright, and offer tips on managing diabetes. To register, call Mae Hitt, at (985) 537-8350. Lunch will be served. The event will take place at Ochsner St. Anne, 4608 Hwy 1 in Raceland, LA.

“Every year 1.6 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes, and since the 1990’s Louisiana has had the highest diabetes death rate in our country,” says Mae Hitt, CDE, Community Outreach Director for Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital. “As we’ve said before, education is the number one way to manage diabetes, and this event will offer many educational resources for local residents,” she adds.

Local residents can participate in the following discussions throughout the event:
• Meal Planning and Snacks with Karen Keiser, RD, LDN
• Living with Diabetes Cooking Demo with Chef John Wright. Wright, who currently works for a diabetes supply company, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 13 years old and has mastered the art of cooking healthy with loads of flavor but not the fat and calories. A native New Orleanian, Wright has worked at some of the best restaurants including Emeril’s, Bella Luna and Smith & Wollenski’s.
• Managing Your Diabetes with Angelique Torres, Nurse Practitioner

Ochsner Restores Lung Transplantation in the Gulf South

2010-03-09T10:10:00.000-06:00

Ochsner Lung Transplant Program Re-opened: Closed After Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS – On February 4, 2010, 39-year-old Cheryl Guillory, of Lafayette, LA, became the first patient in nearly five years to receive a lung transplant at the newly reopened Ochsner Lung Transplant Program, 1514 Jefferson Highway. In November 2005, Ochsner closed its program due to the after effects of Hurricane Katrina and recently restored the program in October 2009. The Ochsner lung transplantation program is the only one in Louisiana and Mississippi; the closest programs are located in Birmingham, Alabama and Houston, Texas.

“Like much of our city and the Gulf Coast region, time is healing the wounds of Hurricane Katrina and we are now bringing back even the most rare and complex transplant operations,” says Dr. George Loss, transplant surgeon and Chief of the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute. “Transplant operations are a true team approach in every sense of the word, as exemplified by Ochsner’s comprehensive corps of medical professionals and the hospital’s commitment to provide resources for such complex operations.”

Cheryl Guillory’s medical challenges began in May 2007 when she was diagnosed with stage four Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH). PPH occurs due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries; the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your lungs and the rest of the body. Cheryl's condition caused her heart to weaken and fluid to continuously build up in her body, requiring her to frequently undergo diuresis at Ochsner in New Orleans.

“As Cheryl’s condition worsened in January (2010), we knew it was time to place her on the lung transplant waiting list,” says Dr. Reinaldo Rampolla, Co-Director of Lung Transplantation at Ochsner Medical Center. Dr. Rampolla and Ochsner Cardiologist Dr. Hamang Patel are Cheryl’s physicians’ pre-and post-transplant.

On February 4, 2010, the team of transplant surgeon Dr. Michael Bates, cardiothoracic surgeons Dr. Abbas Abbas and Dr. Gene Parrino, and specially-trained thoracic anesthesiologists Jason Falterman and Eric Busch, gave Cheryl a new set of lungs and a new lease on life. “While lung transplant surgeries are definitely more rare that kidney, liver or heart, what makes these patients unique is that they are often the most ill of all recipients; therefore the surgeries can be risky and far between,” explains Dr. Bates. Lungs are the most difficult organs to manage and that it takes an extraordinary team effort to allow these fragile organs to be transplanted. He adds that Cheryl was an excellent candidate and she’s had a smooth recovery with the help of expertly-trained transplant nurses.

After 15 years as an LPN, Cheryl hopes to work again, but not as nurse. Instead, she says, “I want to be a social worker and use my experience as a transplant patient to help others understand the need for donation and to help transplant patients through the waiting and recovery process.” Dr. Bates affirms, “We are thankful to organ donors and their families for these incredible gifts.” The most important step to become an organ donor is to make your wishes known by registering at www.lopa.org or making your wishes known to family members.

Ochsner is a Medicare-approved transplant center for heart, liver, and kidney transplantation and is a Center of Excellence for most insurers. Ochsner performs ongoing clinical and laboratory research representing all aspects of transplantation. For more information, call Ochsner’s 24-hour Transplant Hotline at 1-800-643-1635.
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Ochsner, Rouses and Diet Coke Partner to Prevent Heart Disease

2010-02-12T13:33:00.000-06:00

FREE Health Screenings Offered to Local Residents Across the Region

NEW ORLEANS – In recognition of National Heart Month, Ochsner Health System, Rouses Supermarkets and Diet Coke have partnered to offer FREE Total Cholesterol, HDL and Glucose screenings at the following Rouses locations in February. Visit www.choose-healthy.org/events.php for more details.

Friday, Feb. 19 (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
 Rouses- Tchoupitlous (New Orleans)
 Rouses- Belle Chase Hwy (Terrytown)
 Rouses- E. Causeway Approach (Mandeville)

Saturday, Feb. 20 (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
 Rouses- Gause Blvd (Slidell)
 Rouses- North Carrollton (N.O.)
 Rouses- North Canal Blvd (Thibodaux)

Friday, Feb. 26 (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
 Rouses- Power Blvd (Metairie)
 Rouses- Highway 22 (Mandeville)
 Rouses- St. Charles St. (Houma)

Saturday, Feb. 27 (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
 Rouses- Hwy 190 North (Covington)
 Rouses- Veterans Blvd. (Metairie)
 Rouses- General Degaulle Dr. (N.O.)

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Super Bowl, Super Healthy Survival

2010-01-28T12:36:00.001-06:00

Ochsner Tips for Travelers, Tourists, and Saints Fans Cheering from Home

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Whether you’re hitting the road to Miami or staying home to watch the big game, Ochsner has some healthy tips to help Saints fans celebrate the Super Bowl with their waistlines in mind.

Choosing Cuban Cuisine: Louisiana is known for its Cajun cuisine and Miami for its Cuban delicacies. “The typical Cuban meal consists of slow cooked meats and rice, which can be hard on your hips,” says Molly Kimball, RD, Elmwood Fitness Center. Molly says, if you’re planning on sampling some of the local flavor, here’s some tips on what to order:
• Choose Cuban dishes that feature chicken, grilled shrimp and fish, or roasted pork.
• For side dishes, choose black beans and vegetables instead of white rice or fried plantains.
• Some restaurants may also offer a fresh salad, which is typically a smart choice.
• To avoid lots of extra calories, ask for sauces on the side if you're not sure what you’re getting.

Driving - DVT Dangers: If you’re planning the long drive to Miami, plan on taking breaks to stretch your legs and avoid potential DVT. DVT or Deep-vein Thrombosis sounds complicated, but it’s simply a blood clot that forms in the veins of the leg. While certain individuals are more at risk for DVT, it can occur in anyone traveling long distances and sitting in prone positions for extended periods of time. The simple solution is to stretch your legs every couple of hours. “If you start experiencing pain, swelling, tenderness, discoloration or redness in the legs, and skin that is warm to the touch, seek medical care immediately,” warns Dr. Steven Deitelzweig, Vice President of Medical Affairs, Ochsner Health System.

Snacking Solutions: Snacks are a fact of the Superbowl and, whether you are Miami-bound or planning a party, you should offer at least a few waist-friendly options. If you’re driving, Kimball recommends, “instead of grabbing some candy at the gas station, try snacking on low-fat, protein-rich beef jerky. But plan ahead, packing a cooler with sandwiches on whole grain bread, fresh fruits and veggies are a great way to reduce drowsiness that high sugar foods and sodas cause while traveling.” If you’re having folks over, don’t forget the cru' de tet (raw veggies), a grilled vegetable platter, whole grain crackers, and fresh fruits. Now is the perfect time to break out the grill and avoid deep frying anything.

Drinking Downfalls & Delights: Most likely, alcohol will be in abundance at your game day festivities and if you’re not careful, alcohol can be a triple whammy. According to Kimball, “it can it stimulate your appetite, weaken your resolve to eat well, and pack a caloric punch.” She offers a few numbers to help guide you in your drink selections:
• Glass of wine (5 ounces) – 100 calories
• Light beer (average for 12 ounces) – 100 calories
• Regular beer (average for 12 ounces) – 150 calories
• Champagne (5 ounces) – 100

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Ochsner Medical Center Only Louisiana Hospital Ranked Top 5% in Nation

2010-01-26T08:58:00.000-06:00

Nationally Recognized for Outstanding Patient Outcomes by HealthGrades Quality Study

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway, announced today its strong patient outcomes have ranked it among the top 5% in the nation for exceptional care. HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization, analyzed patient outcomes at each of the U.S.’s 5,000 hospitals from 2006-2008 and only 5%, or 269 hospitals, are being recognized with the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™ award.

“This award is a reflection of our mission and the promise we make to our patients every day; to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate. Patients expect to receive the best care, they put their lives in our hands, and this award shows that we’ve delivered on that promise,” said Dr. Patrick Quinlan, CEO, Ochsner Health System.

Today’s announcement marks the 8th Annual Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence Study by HealthGrades. This study highlights hospitals which have demonstrated that their patients had risk-adjusted mortality rates, on average, 29% lower than all other hospitals and risk-adjusted complication rates, on average, 9% lower than all other hospitals. Results are risk-adjusted, objective data based on patient outcomes of 26 common Medicare inpatient procedures and diagnoses.

The study states: “Patients who choose to receive their care at a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence will have a lower risk for an adverse clinical outcome relative to all other hospitals.”

“We began working with HealthGrades in 2005 to improve our patient outcomes, lower complication rates and decrease mortality rates in cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary disorders, sepsis, stroke, and most recently, orthopedics,” explained Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, Ochsner Medical Director for Clinical Practice Improvement. Ochsner concentrated its efforts on delivering reliable, standardized care, based on scientific evidence. Kemmerly says, “As we’ve expanded these processes throughout our hospital, we’re seeing improvements in all the patients we serve.”

An example of how Ochsner’s improvements are saving lives is the case of New Orleans’ Ritz Carlton Chef Matt Murphy. “Matt entered Ochsner critically ill and required the care of over 10 physician teams. Our standardized protocols allowed us to effectively manage his many complications and ultimately save his life,” explains Kemmerly. Ochsner’s ability to coordinate 10 teams of medical specialists, on an ongoing basis for any patient, showcases the success of the group practice model and how it benefits patients and their outcomes. The group practice model is also used by the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic.

“Our data show that only a select few hospitals achieve high-quality patient outcomes across the board and over time,” said Rick May, MD, a vice president with HealthGrades and an author of the study. “Patients in communities with a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence should be confident that their level of care is among the best in the nation.”

“I am extremely proud of the consistent leadership and a dedicated staff at Ochsner Medical Center. Their commitment to improvement and error-free care has saved thousands of lives,” said Michael Hulefeld, CEO, Ochsner Medical Center.

Methodology: HealthGrades independently analyzed the clinical quality performance of all non-federal hospitals across the country in 26 procedures and diagnoses. In the study, the company reviewed approximately 40 million hospitalization records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. All hospitals that participate in the Medicare program were part of the independent study. A full copy of the study is available at http://www.healthgrades.com.

Ochsner Opens EP Lab with Leading Heart Technology

2010-01-12T09:53:00.000-06:00

NEW ORLEANS – On January 12, 2010, from 12pm-1pm, the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute will celebrate the opening of one of the most advanced EP Labs in the region at 1514 Jefferson Highway, 3rd Floor Hospital. An EP Lab is a minimally-invasive setting in which studies and procedures of the heart’s electrical system, abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias are performed without the need for open heart surgery. Ochsner’s EP Labs are equipped with biplane x-ray technology, state-of-the-art rotational angiography, 3D color mapping, and Niobe magnetic navigation.

“Few EP labs offer all of these sophisticated services in one location and we’re excited to be at the forefront of cutting-edge cardiac care,” says Dr. Freddy Abi-Samra, Medical Director of the Ochsner Electrophysiology (EP) Labs. The combination of these technologies allows Ochsner Electrophysiologists to perform cutting-edge procedures such as implanting defibrillators and bi-ventricular pacemakers, performing atrial fibrillation as well as other complex ablations.

Biplane imaging allows cardiologists to view the heart in two dimensions—front to back or side to side—instead of a flat, one dimensional view. Niobe magnetic navigation allows for remote catheter manipulation by using large magnets to guide catheters within the heart.

Dr. Abi-Samra explains how the EP Lab’s technology assists in successful outcomes, “Biplane imagining is especially useful for complicated ablations, a non-surgical treatment for extremely rapid or irregular heartbeats caused by abnormal tissue that forms in the heart. Rotational angiography allows for live registration of electro-anatomic cardiac maps onto the actual fluoroscopic anatomy.”

Ochsner’s 3D mapping systems greatest value is during complex EP/ ablation studies where unhealthy heart tissue is destroyed in order to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. 3D mapping allows physicians to map an arrhythmia in only a few heart beats which is especially useful with patients who are unable to tolerate rapid rhythms and in cases when the arrhythmia cannot be sustained long enough for adequate analysis.

Ochsner Electrophysiologists Dr. Freddy M. Abi-Samra, Dr. Sammy Khatib, Dr. Daniel P. Morin, Dr. Onajefe Nelson-Twakor and Dr. Chris Snyder are also using biplane technology for many advanced procedures such as the difficult biventricular internal cardiac defibrillator implantation and in patients with complex heart anatomy.

“This lab represents yet another excellent tool for Ochsner’s cardiologists to help people in the fight against cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Chris White, Ochsner Chairman, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Ochsner maintains a national and international reputation for excellence in heart disease management. In 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Ochsner as one of the 50 best hospitals in America in Heart and Heart Surgery. Recognized for its world-renowned medical team, breakthrough approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and technologically-sophisticated diagnostic and treatment capabilities, the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute offers a complete and comprehensive approach to the management of cardiovascular disease.

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Respiratory Illnesses Flourish in Winter Months

2010-01-11T11:06:00.002-06:00

NEW ORLEANS – It’s cold outside and, in addition to staying warm; you need to take precautions to avoid respiratory infections because this time of year is the prime time for these viruses to spread. Every year, as the temperatures fall, infections such as the common cold, flu, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia go up and these infections are very contagious.

“In addition to being quite common, respiratory infections are easily transferred from person to person via direct contact such as shaking hands or kissing or through indirect contact in which a person touches a surface touched by an infected person like a doorknob,” says Dr. Rebecca Hutchings, Pediatrician and Director of Emergency Services in the Ochsner Medical Center ER. In fact, these infections are so common, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly all children will be infected by their second birthday.

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is the most common cause of all respiratory infections. While the virus typically causes cold-like symptoms in adults, it can be more serious in infants and young children, especially those with other conditions affecting the lungs, heart or immune system. Children are more likely to develop serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis and croup as a result of a respiratory infection. Signs that your child may need to see a doctor include:

• High fever
• Thick nasal discharge
• A cough that continues to worsen, producing yellow, green or gray mucus
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Dehydration

“Treatment of RSV does not involve antibiotics since antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections not viruses; however, there are ways to treat a child with a mild case at home,” advises Dr. Hutchings:

• Make the child as comfortable as possible, allowing for plenty of recovery time
• Ensure that the child drinks plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer during the winter months to moisten the internal air (be sure to clean the vaporizer daily with bleach to prevent mold)
• Treat fever with non-aspirin fever medication

Steps to reduce your risk of respiratory infection include: • Frequent hand washing
• Disinfecting hard surfaces with soap and water
• Not sharing cups or eating utensils
• Staying away from people with cold-like symptoms
• Receiving a seasonal flu shot as well as the H1N1 vaccine

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Ochsner to Purchase NorthShore Regional Medical Ctr

2010-01-08T08:53:00.002-06:00

Media Advisory:

We've recorded interviews with Ochsner's COO and CEO and posted them on our FTP site for free download. These interviews will be available all weekend. ftp://mediaservices.ochsner.org/Ochsner_Northshore_Questions.wmv

Media Contact: Amiee Goforth 225-610-0807, agoforth@ochsner.org
Sarah Elizabeth Falanga (504) 842-6453, sfalanga@ochsner.org
Amy Delaney (504) 952-1935, adelaney@ochsner.org

EMBARGOED
09:00AM CST, January 8, 2010
Ochsner Expands Care for Growing Population and Becomes Regional Draw for Medical Services
SLIDELL, LA - The private, not-for-profit Ochsner Health System today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase NorthShore Regional Medical Center (NSRMC), the ambulatory surgery center and several pieces of property on which the facility is located in Slidell, Louisiana. The projected closing date is April 1, 2010: this purchase will expand Ochsner Health System to eight hospitals in Southeast Louisiana. The medical staff will remain “open,” which is consistent with how the facility operates today.

In 2009, Tenet Healthcare Corporation announced their intention to discontinue operating NSRMC. Ochsner will purchase the hospital and Tenet-owned assets on the campus. “By preserving the future of NorthShore Regional Medical Center, Ochsner has the opportunity to strengthen its long-term medical commitment in the North Shore, expand medical services and technology, and position the facility as an asset to more Louisiana and Mississippi patients,” says Dr. Patrick Quinlan, CEO of Ochsner Health System.

Ochsner’s large clinical presence on the North Shore and its strong patient support of over 250,000 annual visits provides a strong base for expansion of medical services at NorthShore Regional Medical Center. “Ochsner North Shore has 110 physicians that provide care to approximately 81,000 North Shore residents. On the North Shore, we delivered over 400 babies and provide over 11,000 surgeries and procedures annually,” says Warner Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ochsner Health System. Ochsner has 10 North Shore-based health centers in Slidell, Covington, Abita Springs, Hammond, and Mandeville.

Thomas adds, “This expansion will allow us to grow our primary and specialty care services, with particular focus on cardiac, cancer, and women’s services, and we’re also interested in expanding the pediatric services that NorthShore Regional has grown over the past several years.”

“Additional patient benefits will include convenience, coordination, and continuity of care,” explains Scott Boudreaux, CEO of the Ochsner North Shore region. “We’ll reduce the need for North Shore patients to cross Lake Pontchartrain for Ochsner hospital services and offer our growing population of patients from nearby communities in Mississippi a closer hospital option.” About 15 percent of Ochsner North Shore patients are Mississippi residents. Boudreaux says patients will also have access to expanded medical care through telemedicine technology and Ochsner’s electronic medical record.

“Ochsner will continue to operate NorthShore Regional as an open medical staff and looks forward to working with local, independent physicians,” notes E. Edward Martin, M.D., Medical Director of the Ochsner North Shore Region. Ochsner has a proven track record of acquiring hospitals, working with the existing medical staff, and expanding patient care. Ochsner’s most recent hospital acquisitions in the New Orleans region have shown marked improvement in quality measures such as Inpatient Risk Adjusted Mortality and Complication Indexes, based on Thomson Reuters Risk Adjustment Methodology. They have also benefited from improved patient satisfaction, employee engagement, and financial results.

NorthShore Regional Medical Center is a 165-bed acute care, full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency room and the only PICU on the North Shore. “Ochsner is excited about the opportunity to serve more people in the Slidell area, expand services at NorthShore Regional, and improve access to medical care in the community,” says Boudreaux.

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Toy Safety; It’s on Everyone’s Wish List this Season

2009-12-16T08:53:00.000-06:00

Choose New Toys Wisely and Maintain Older Toys

NEW ORLEANS – When you’re making your list this year, be sure to check it twice for safety when purchasing toys for young children. Ochsner reminds everyone to read safety labels and follow appropriate age guidelines when buying this year’s must-have toy. A few of the most dangerous hazards include those with small removable parts or marbles, magnets and balloons.

First and foremost, before purchasing a toy, Ochsner Pediatrician Dr. Judy Moreau, advises parents to research the toy’s safety and then choose wisely keeping the following tips in mind:
• Ensure that the toy is lead-free
• Fabric toys should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant
• All paints or markers should be non-toxic
• Noise-making toys should not be too loud
• Carefully inspect any second-hand items before gifting

And it’s not just the toys that could pose a problem. According the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, when it comes to the paper, boxes and bows, heed the following advice:
• Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys as they could become suffocation hazards
• Pay close attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers or electronic toys
• Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings

“It’s also a good idea for parents to supervise or join their child when playing with a new toy in order to teach the child the correct way to play with the toy and ensures they can safely handle the new item,” explains Dr. Moreau.

Since children can be rough on toys, as parents are making room for new items, now’s the time to use the opportunity to inspect older toys to ensure:
• They aren’t broken, which could become a danger to the child
• Older wooden toys for splinters
• Inspecting outdoor toys for signs of rust or decay
• All toys are properly clean

Finally, says Dr. Moreau, “With recent news about the spread of H1N1, it is a good idea to wash the children’s toys regularly to help prevent the spread of germs,” says Moreau. She says, plastic toys can be washed in the dishwasher in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines or parents can use a mixture of antibacterial soap or mild dishwashing detergent with hot water. Just make sure to rinse the toys afterwards.

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Ochsner, One of 17 U.S. Hospitals Recognized for Pain Control

2009-12-01T12:57:00.000-06:00

U.S. News & World Report Rankings Place Ochsner in top 10 Percent of U.S. Hospitals NEW ORLEANS – Everyone has experienced pain at one time or another, and Ochsner Medical Center holds the unique honor of being one of 17 U.S. hospitals, cited by US News & World Report, as the best in the nation for controlling patient pain. According to this most recent ranking, 71 percent of Ochsner patients reported that their pain was “always” well controlled, placing Ochsner in the top 10 percent in the nation.

“Patient care remains our top priority, as such, successfully managing pain across clinical, medical, and surgical departments is essential to doing all that we can to provide a positive outcome for all of our patients,” says Tarun Jolly, M.D., Clinical Director of Ochsner Pain Management, Ochsner Baptist Medical Center, 2700 Napoleon Avenue. “We’re very proud of this distinction.”

Feelings of pain can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant and is typically divided into two categories: acute and chronic.
• Acute pain can begin suddenly and end just as suddenly and usually serves as a warning to the body. It can be caused by varying events such as surgery, broken bones, dental work, burns or cuts, or labor and childbirth. In most cases, it does not last longer than six months and it disappears when the underlying cause has been treated or has healed. Unrelieved acute pain, however, may lead to chronic pain.

• Chronic pain persists despite the fact that an injury has healed and can remain for weeks, months, or years. Physical effects include tense muscles, limited mobility, a lack of energy, and changes in appetite. Emotional effects include depression, anger, anxiety, and fear of re-injury. Common chronic pain complaints include: headache, low back pain, cancer pain, arthritis pain, and neurogenic pain (pain resulting from damage to nerves but having no visible sign of damage).

“One of the most common medical problems is back pain, which affects 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives,” says Jolly. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. And, during the holiday season, travel, parties, shopping, holiday decorations, cooler weather and new toys, can cause aches and pains to flare up.

Ochsner Pain Management suggests the following tips to avoid back pain this holiday season:
• Ask for Help: Get extra help when cleaning the house, carrying packages or putting up lights and decorations.
• Stretch your Back: Stretching is important to avoid injuries as tightness can put a strain on the back muscles.
• Drink Water: Experts have linked dehydration to back pain. So, try to get eight, 8 ounce glasses each day.
• Prepare your body: Most people are not prepared for the increase in activity so stretching and more aerobic exercise can help prevent weight gain and relieve back pain.
• Wear Appropriate Shoes: Spending lots of time walking and standing in inappropriate shoes during holiday shopping and holiday parties can cause severe back pain due to a lack of proper support.

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Giving and Receiving: Remembering Loved Ones during the Holidays

2009-11-23T09:30:00.000-06:00

2009 Tree of Life Memorializes Friend and Family and Benefits Current Heart Patients
NEW ORLEANS, LA – For the person on your gift list who has it all, Ochsner’s 2009 Tree of Life is a chance for you to honor a loved one and help someone else this holiday season. All funds generated from this year’s Tree of Life ceremony in New Orleans will go to benefit a program instituted by Dr. Clifford H. Van Meter, Jr., long-time Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Ochsner Medical Center, the Dr. Clifford Van Meter Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Patient Assistance Fund.

Dr. John Ochsner, Chairman Emeritus of the Ochsner Department of Surgery said of Dr. Van Meter, "Cliff discharged his duties as a cardiac surgeon at Ochsner with talent, integrity, and honor." Dr. Ochsner also said of Dr. Van Meter's work in the area of VAD technology, “He became passionate about the advancement of mechanical circulatory support and recognized this modality as a supportive measure as well as a permanent solution. Cliff was instrumental in the development and improvement of left ventricular assist devices."

The patients and families who require VAD services face issues that few families have to endure; stress that’s physical, emotional, and financial. The Dr. Clifford Van Meter VAD Assistance Fund will provide help with transportation issues, meals, and housing. This fund brings to practice Dr. Alton Ochsner's belief that, "At Ochsner, the patient and the patient's family come first."

On Friday, December 4, 2009, at 10:00am in the Main Atrium Lobby of Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway, Ochsner will honor and memorialize loved ones at its annual Tree of Life ceremony. During the decorating ceremony, each ornament will be individually announced and then hung on the holiday tree. Holiday caroling by the LaPlace Elementary Bell Choir, the St. Michaels Bell Choir and others, will take place before and after the ceremony.

“The Ochsner Tree of Life helps patients and friends honor loved ones and help someone else in need,” explains Scott M. Childers, Vice President of Ochsner Philanthropy. “Throughout the holiday season, the tree is filled with ornaments bearing the names of individuals paid tribute to during this special time of year.”

To purchase an ornament or brick, please call Ochsner’s Special Events Office at 504-842-7113 or visit Ochsner.org. Each ornament costs $20.
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Tips to Keep Your Holiday Shopping H1N1-Free!

2009-11-19T09:24:00.004-06:00

NEW ORLEANS – As the holiday spirit kicks in, most of us will hit the stores for holiday sales and gift ideas, but Ochsner infectious disease experts warn the influenza virus can live on hard surfaces for 2-8 hours; therefore, your favorite stores could be an H1N1 harvest. Ochsner offers some common sense advice for shoppers.

“Simply walking into a store can be a hazard as the door handle contains germs from everyone who has touched it in the past 8 hours,” explains Dr. Katherine Baumgarten, Medical Director of Infection Control. “Obviously, it’s impossible to shop “germ-free”, but if you’re conscious of the ways in which germs travel from person to person, it’s much easier to protect yourself,” she adds.

Consider these common, shopping actions that put you in contact with viruses, such as H1N1:
• Opening doors
• Picking up merchandise
• Touching elevator buttons and escalator handles
• Pulling out a chair
• Exchanging money or credit cards
• Eating with your fingers (French fries, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, etc..)
• Rubbing your eyes (due to dry store air conditioning, heaters, allergies)
• Sampling hand lotions and perfumes

The solution! “You’ve heard it before, but the single best way to protect yourself is through hand washing or hand sanitizers,” advises Dr. Baumgarten. She cites some germ-reducing tips to help keep holiday shoppers healthy:

- Wash hands before eating anything!
- Find a table on the edge of the food court to avoid contact with close knit crowds.
- If possible, avoid finger-foods (French fries, hamburgers, chicken nuggets)
- Keep your fingers away from your face: don’t rub your eyes, nose or cover cough/sneeze with your hands
- Use a paper towel on bathroom doors to exit
- Bring a shopping bag from home to keep all your purchases together and reduce contact
- Opt for less crowded shopping times or spend time shopping online
- Avoid sampling the perfumes/lotions
- Take advantage of hand sanitizer samples at checkout counters

Constant handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers can dry out your hands, so it can be tempting to enjoy sample lotions at the stores, but beware! Simply pushing the pumps on lotions or perfumes can add germs to a clean hand. Instead, ask the store clerk to spray the perfume and use hand sanitizing “lotions” that sanitize as well as moisturize.

“Finally, remember, it’s the season to spend time with others, so go out and enjoy yourself but heed these simple, unobtrusive suggestions to stay healthy for the holidays,” says Dr. Baumgarten.
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“Love Lights Lafourche,” Honors Cancer Patients

2009-11-19T09:23:00.001-06:00

Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital Hosts Tree Lighting Ceremony

RACELAND, LA – Each December, Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital and the American Cancer Society celebrates local cancer survivors and memorializes loved ones by hosting a tree lighting ceremony of thousands of white “love lights” and love ornaments. This year’s Love Lights a Tree ceremony will shine on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 6:00 pm in the hospital cafeteria.

“Love Lights a Tree is a poignant fund raiser that enables cancer patients and families to honor their loved ones and help someone else during the holiday season,” said Mae Hitt, Community Outreach Coordinator at Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital. “When purchasing an ornament for the tree, all proceeds from the event will go to the American Cancer Society for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services,” adds Hitt.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

• Love lights can be obtained for a donation of $5 or more to the American Cancer Society.
• To purchase your love light in advance or for more information, contact Mae Hitt at Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital at (985)537-8350.
• Each ornament will have a name that will be read aloud at the tree lighting ceremony on December 8.
• Refreshments will be served after the tree lighting ceremony, at 4608 La. 1, in Raceland.

Chicken Noodle Soup for Ochsner Surgery Patients

2009-11-10T10:30:00.000-06:00

Ochsner Baptist Sends Patients Home with Comfort Food Care Packages
NEW ORLEANS, LA –Ochsner Baptist Medical Center recently launched a 1,000 cup, “Chicken Noodle Soup Care Package” for its surgery patients, sending patients home with a cup of Ochsner’s homemade chicken noodle soup. The time-honored remedy is the perfect accompaniment to the recommended, bland diet immediately following anesthesia and a way for Ochsner Baptist to continue palliative care in patient’s homes.

Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate, traditional, over-the-counter medical advice and comfort food, and Ochsner’s 1,000 cup campaign encourages a speedy recovery. In fact, several medical experts have proven that old-fashioned chicken noodle soup has healing properties by displaying drug-like agents similar to those in modern cold medicines.

Another theory, put forth by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, is that chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory keeping a check on inflammatory white blood cells, helping patients heal faster. More ancient testaments to chicken noodle soup include:
- Chicken soup was prescribed as a cure for the common cold in ancient Egypt.
- 10th century Persian physician Avicenna referred to the curative powers of chicken soup in his writings.

Upon returning home following surgery, patients can range from feeling woozy to nauseous, typically a result of anesthesia. “We always recommend that a patient start with a liquid or bland diet upon returning home after surgery, until their stomach can handle more substantial foods,” says Joan Condon, RN, Unit Director. She goes on to explain, “We’re taking that recommendation a step further and quite literally by actually providing patients with a cup of soup and a bottle of water for their first meal at home.”

Ochsner’s Chicken Noodle soup, which is prepared in-house by Ochsner Baptist Chef Mike Shain, is a heart healthy version of the classic cure, featuring reduced sodium and fat content. The soup follows traditional recipes containing the prerequisite celery, onions, chicken stock, carrots, egg noodles, and boneless, skinless, chicken breast.

November 1-30, Ochsner Exhibits Cancer Patients’ Art Work

2009-11-05T11:23:00.000-06:00

Lilly Oncology On Canvas Displayed at Ochsner Medical Center – Jefferson Highway

NEW ORLEANS – The entire month of November 2009, Ochsner Medical Center is honored to display the Lilly Oncology On Canvas, a free, public art exhibit featuring works by actual cancer patients. The show is designed to honor the physical and emotional journeys people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis. The 45-piece Ochsner exhibit, which includes several Louisiana artists, is on display 24 hours, 7 days a week at 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans in the hospital’s 1st floor Art Walk. Ochsner will host an opening reception on Thursday, November 5 at 4pm in the hospital atrium with speakers from the Ochsner Cancer Institute.

Lilly Oncology On Canvas was launched in 2004, received more than 400 pieces of art from 23 countries, and began a world tour in 2005 that reached millions of people in more than 100 cities. Following its initial success, the 2006 program received more than 2,000 pieces of art and toured nearly 200 cities worldwide. The 2008 competition, which is currently touring cancer centers, hospitals, patient advocacy group meetings and other venues nationwide, included 26 prizes awarded to 20 different cancer charities selected by the 19 winners in categories including:
- From hope to fear
- The loss of individualism
- Support of family and friends
- Memory of those lost
- Perseverance of those who survive

In addition to displaying the 2008 competition winners, Ochsner is also hosting the Lilly competition in which individuals diagnosed with any type of cancer and family members are encouraged to express, through art, the life-affirming changes that give their cancer journeys meaning. Entries will be accepted through June 2010.

The competition, which selects the winning artworks to tour the world, occurs every two years (biennial). The current competition began in 2009, ends in June 2010, and is open to all U.S. and Puerto Rico residents. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges, including past winners, cancer survivors, leading oncologists, journalists, patient advocacy groups, and the competition art director. The end result is a compelling art collection that provides insights into the wide range of emotions experienced by those touched by cancer.

For further information on Lilly Oncology On Canvas, including how to enter the 2010 competition, call (866) 991-LOOC (5662) or visit www.LillyOncologyOnCanvas.com.

Ochsner Nephrologists Recognized for Excellent Patient Care by National Dialysis Center

2009-11-02T11:28:00.001-06:00

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Nephrologists Dr. Fred Husserl and Dr. Pierre Blemur, who serve as local medical directors of two Fresenius Medical Center - Ochsner dialysis units, have been recognized for their excellence in patient care with the Gold Level - Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) Centers of Excellence Award.

The Ochsner physician group, individually and collectively, have been recognized for their leadership in 2008 and 2009 at the following locations:

- Fresenius Medical Center - Ochsner New Orleans – Home Department, 1319 Jefferson Highway, Suite 2, Jefferson, LA, (504) 842-3520
- Fresenius Medical Center - Ochsner Westbank Dialysis , 4899 Westbank Expressway, Suite B, Marrero, LA, (504) 340-0371
“These achievements are a reflection of the entire Ochsner Nephrology staff and Fresenius Medical Care’s unified team approach to provide high quality care for those who suffer from chronic renal failure. We strive to improve patient experiences and outcomes; I am proud of this recognition and share it with my entire staff,” says Dr. Catherine Staffeld, Interim Chair, Department of Nephrology.
The Gold Level mark of distinction is based upon a comparison of all FMC clinics/programs in the U.S. Honors are based according to medical scores in ultrascore, patient satisfaction, diabetic foot checks, transplant education and additional medical categories. Clinics must be financially viable and free of any condition-level deficiency. Their census must also be >25 for in-center hemo and >10 for home PD. In consideration of those criteria, an award at the Gold Level is quite an achievement.

Halloween Tips to Fight Childhood Obesity and H1N1

2009-10-21T09:03:00.000-05:00

Healthy, Fun, and Germ-Fighting Halloween Alternatives

NEW ORLEANS – Halloween conjures of images of pumpkin buckets of overflowing candy, door-to-door trick-or-treating, and costumed children. But with the growing epidemic of childhood obesity and the spread of H1N1, many parents are looking for a more health-conscious way to celebrate the ghoulish holiday. Ochsner offers the following tips for a health-conscious, yet fun-filled, Halloween:

Healthy “Treats”:“Sugarless gum, pre-packaged cheese and crackers, trail mix, nuts, corn nuts, granola bars, small bags of pretzels or popcorn, goldfish cracker packages, individual hot chocolate packages and raisins are a great alternative to chocolates and sugary snacks,” says Elesha Kelleher, Ochsner Registered Dietician. She also suggests avoiding candy altogether and opting for fun-filled treats such as: stickers, balloons, crayons, pencils, colored chalk, whistles, rubber spiders and worms.

Although it’s tempting, parents need to take control and help children pace themselves when it comes to indulging in their bountiful treats. “It’s a good idea to have a sensible dinner before heading door-to-door, or at least a healthy snack. Eating something other than sugar-filled candy in advance, can really cut down on tummy aches later,” says Kelleher. “Children need to enjoy their Halloween treats over several days and weeks - not all in one night. Rationing Halloween candy and making it a reward for your kids is a great way to teach them that most foods are okay, in moderation,” she adds.

Germ-Avoiding “Tricks”:
Top on every parents worry list this All Hallow’s Eve is the spread of the H1N1 virus. With children going door-to-door, and accepting treats being handled by many, parents need to take extra precautions. Dr. Katherine Baumgarten, Medical Director of Ochsner Infection Control, offers the follows suggestions:
 Remind children to cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when they sneeze, or sneeze into the crook of their elbows.
 Wash hands thoroughly before eating any treats. (Carry hand sanitizer in case your goblins can’t wait till you get home.)
 Don’t allow sharing or trading of costume masks.
 Discourage kids from touching their eyes, mouths, or noses since that is the quickest way to spread germs and contract viruses and if your child has flu-like symptoms, encourage them to stay home.

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Ochsner Hosts Family Fundraiser

2009-09-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

Party-4-Peds to Benefit Pediatrics

NEW ORLEANS – On Saturday, October 3, 2009, from 4pm-7pm, Ochsner and Capital One Bank will host “Party 4 Peds” for local families as it transforms its Children’s Health Center at 1315 Jefferson Highway into a fun-filled, family fundraiser for Ochsner Pediatrics.

The action-packed party includes entertainment by Radio Disney, refreshments by local restaurants, and entertainment including large inflatable play stations, stilt walkers, t-shirt art, and jewelry/key chain making. For adults, there will be a silent auction featuring weekend get-a-ways, dining gift certificates and more.

“Having a child in the hospital can create a terrible financial burden as well as an emotional burden on families, that’s why we’ve selected the Ochsner Pediatric Family Assistance Fund as a beneficiary of this event; it helps families of hospitalized children by enabling Ochsner to help with travel and other expenses regarding our smallest patients,” explains Dr. Douglas Moodie, Pediatric Cardiologist and Chairman of Ochsner’s Department of Pediatrics.

Another beneficiary is the pediatric literacy initiative, Reach Out and Read. Reach Out and Read distributes new books to children, encourages family reading and helps physicians better diagnose communication disorders by using books during well-child visits.

“Now is your child’s chance to return the ‘favor’ for those eventful office visits with a dunking booth,” says Dr. Moodie. Staff up to the challenge include: Dr. Vincent Adolph, Dr. Daniel Bronfin, Dr. Charles Kantrow, Erin Montgomery, LPN, "Missy" Pecoraro, RN, Dr. Christopher Snyder, Dr. Elliot Tucker, Dr. Thomas Young.

Chairing this year’s event are Malin Maitrejean and Maribeth McNamara. Tickets are $50 per adult (18 and over) and $20 per child (toddlers and babies under 2 years are free). Call 504-842-7113 or visit www.ochsner.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

Ochsner Offers New Advice to Help Prevent the Spread of H1N1

2009-08-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

NEW ORLEANS, LA– Ochsner Health System, in conjunction with the CDC, has new advice for healthy individuals who have flu-like symptoms – stay home and rest. Don’t plan to visit the doctor’s office unless your symptoms worsen, as you will be exposing even more people to the virus. However, physicians caution, if you are considered “high risk”, you should call your physician immediately for advice on what to do.

“We know that H1N1 is going to continue to spread throughout the community; therefore, our goal is to appropriately care for individuals, while reducing ER overcrowding and additional spread of the illness. We would like to provide education on when to seek medical care and when to remain at home,” explains Dr. Katherine Baumgarten, Ochsner Medical Director of Infection Control.

Ochsner is encouraging local residents to follow the recommended CDC advice:
• Healthy individuals are asked not to visit the doctor with onset of symptoms; instead remain at home, away from other individuals, in order to recover and reduce the spread of H1N1.
• Individuals who are asked to call their physicians, with onset of symptoms, include the following high-risk populations:
- Immuno-compromised (example: cancer, transplant, diabetes, HIV, those with underlying lung disease)
- Pregnant women
- Parents of young children (less than 5 years)
- Older population (greater than 65 years)

Dr. Baumgarten explains, “If you have flu-like symptoms and are otherwise healthy and not a high-risk category, Ochsner physicians recommend plenty of fluids, Tylenol, and plenty of rest.” She advises that Tamiflu will only be administered to high-risk populations and explains, “Most individuals are able to weather the illness as they do the seasonal flu.”

As with any illness, it can occasionally worsen in otherwise healthy adults. Those individuals are advised to seek care without delay if they begin experiencing the following symptoms:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Intractable nausea and vomiting
• Return of high fever after original fever has gone away

If residents will follow this advice, potential over-crowding in local ER’s and the spread of the virus can be reduced. One of the problems physicians are trying to avoid is non-infected patients getting the H1N1 virus from others in patient waiting areas.

Warning signs for children to seek immediate emergency medical care include:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not urinating as usual
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or interacting as usual
• Being so irritable that your child does not even want to be held
• Fever returns after being absent or a significant change in fever pattern (101 degrees for several days then 103 degrees)

“The H1N1 virus is comparable to the seasonal flu in its effects on the population; every year millions of Americans catch the flu and recover, and every year we suffer some deaths. H1N1 can be dangerous to some individuals but for the majority of the population it’s simply an uncomfortable experience,” adds Baumgarten.

All individuals are encouraged to get the seasonal flu shot, which will be available in mid to late September. An H1N1 vaccine is not expected to be available until late fall and will then only be distributed to high-risk populations as directed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

For additional H1N1 information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or www.ochsner.org.

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Ochsner Replaces Heart Valve without Open Heart Surgery

2009-08-27T13:26:00.003-05:00

PARTNER Trial offers New Alternative for Patients with Non-Operative, Aortic Stenosis

NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Tuesday, August 11, 2009, an 82-year old New Orleans resident with severe aortic stenosis successfully had a heart valve replaced at Ochsner Medical Center using the same technique as angioplasty, a far cry from the traditional open heart procedure. Patients who are considered high-risk or non-operable for conventional open heart valve surgery now have a potential new research option available regionally only through The John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute.

Ochsner Medical Center is the only hospital in the Gulf South selected to participate as an FDA investigative site in the PARTNER (Placement of AoRTic traNscathetER valves) clinical trial, evaluating the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter aortic heart valve in patients who are at high risk for open heart surgery and surgical valve repair.

Annually, some 200,000 people in the U.S. need a new heart valve. “This dramatic new procedure offers a new lease on life for patients with severe aortic stenosis, severe narrowing of the heart valve, and highlights Ochsner's continuing efforts to place patient care first by offering a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery which may reduce morbidity and recovery time,” explains Dr. Stephen Ramee, Ochsner Cardiologist, and clinical investigator.

The purpose of the PARTNER study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of the Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Heart Valve device and delivery systems (leg: transfemoral and chest: transapical). Amazingly, the percutaneous arm of this study makes no cuts in the chest at all. A catheter carrying a tissue valve built into a metal stent a half an inch in diameter is threaded up the artery from the leg to the aortic valve, where it positions the new valve within the damaged one. This procedure is performed in a state-of-the-art cath lab on a “beating heart,” without the need for bypass machine, which can pose additional risks. As with any research trial, no guarantees can be made about outcomes. Study benefits and risks along with alternatives are reviewed in detail before a person enrolls.

Ochsner was chosen for the trial due to its expertise in valve replacement surgery and vast experience in interventional procedures. “This is an interdisciplinary study in which Ochsner’s Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Anesthesia departments are working collaboratively, using the best techniques from all three specialties, to advance the standard of care for our patients,” explains Dr. Gene Parrino, co-investigator in the trial.

A prospective randomized study, PARTNER has two separate treatment arms. The surgical arm features 690 high-risk patients who are candidates for conventional open-heart surgery. Randomized, these patients will receive either the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve or an Edwards surgical valve to demonstrate that the transcatheter heart valve is not statistically inferior to conventional surgery. The non-surgical arm will feature 350 non-operative patients who will be evenly randomized to receive either the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve or appropriate medical therapy in order to demonstrate that the transcatheter heart valve is statistically superior to medical management.

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Double Transplant Recipient Offers Hope to Patients on Waiting Lists

2009-08-25T10:56:00.001-05:00

Life Expectancy, Quality of Life, Are More Than Restored for Transplant Recipients

NEW ORLEANS – Although over 110,000 Americans are on an organ transplant waiting list, a second chance at life is only one phone call away and, for a Slidell resident, that life-saving call came sooner than he expected. Since his double transplant at Ochsner Medical Center on March 28, 2008, Nic Whitacre has decided that there is a reason he’s still alive – and he’s not going to let the history of his health stand in the way of his future.

“When I was lying in the recovery room after my transplant, I thought to myself, what can I do if I’m given the opportunity to live?” said Whitacre. “Then and there, I just knew that becoming a nurse would be my way to give back to patients just like me. I hope my experience will allow me to bring a new level of empathy to my patients,” he adds. Following his pancreas and kidney transplant, Whitacre, 47, enrolled in Delgado Community College to prepare for nursing school, and he will begin the Charity Nursing Program in January 2010.

Following 18 months of nursing school, Whitacre will finally reach his goal of becoming a registered nurse. “My goal is to work in a transplant step-down unit and eventually on a surgery team. My health has been fully restored and this is the least I can do,” said Whitacre.

But, becoming a nurse isn’t his only goal. In August of 2010, Whitacre will run in his young donor’s honor in the 2010 Transplant Olympics in Madison, Wisconsin. Before Whitacre’s transplant, he was diagnosed at a very young age with diabetes. Vision loss, gastroparesis, nerve damage and kidney failure are just a few of the complications he experienced - all of which hindered his physical fitness. After 33 years, Whitacre is no longer a diabetic and his kidneys are functioning normally. And, his new health, along with months of training, will take him across the 5K finish line next August.

“I’m going to compete and in order to beat the previous record, I’ll have to run about a six minute mile,” said Whitacre. “I’m trying to encourage others to get active by updating others on my training progress via Twitter.” Twitter, a newly developing online social network, is also a way for Whitacre to get the word out about becoming a registered organ donor. “Most people don’t realize that you can take 10 seconds to change your license status online to become an organ donor – take the time, you may be able to save a life,” he adds.

To register to become an organ donor, visit www.donatelife.com

OCHSNER AND ROUSES MARKETS PARTNER FOR Choose Healthy INITIATIVE

2009-08-21T10:01:00.001-05:00

Partnership Focuses on Building a Healthier Community & Economy

NEW ORLEANS (August 21, 2009) – Today, August 21, 2009, at 1:30pm at the Rouses Market, 4500 Tchoupitoulas Street, Ochsner Health System and Rouses Markets, the largest independent grocer in Louisiana, will announce the Louisiana community initiative partnership, “Choose Healthy, www.choose-healthy.org.” This program is designed to educate people about the benefits of smart food and lifestyle choices, disease prevention and regular medical checkups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Louisiana is the 8th most obese state in the U.S., with nearly 30% of all residents considered medically obese.

“People traditionally only get wellness information at the doctor’s office, clinic or hospital,” said Dr. Patrick Quinlan, CEO of Ochsner Health System, “but a grocery store is a natural setting for people to talk about nutrition and meal planning. Rouses has given us a great opportunity to reach people before they make their food choices.”

Rouses customers will find healthy, Ochsner-endorsed eating recommendations on every aisle of their market, and be able to take advantage of Ochsner education programs and materials and free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body fat. Rouses Chef Nino will be incorporating lighter and heart healthy recipes into his cooking demonstrations. Customers will also be able to access recipes and information on smart food choices, proper meal planning and disease-specific diet alternatives online at www.rouses.com and www.ochsner.org through the “Choose Healthy” link.

“We have always considered Rouses as more than just a place to buy groceries,” said Donald Rouse, President of Rouses Markets. “I think this will go far in educating and motivating our customers to lead healthier lifestyles. Having Ochsner-endorsed meal plans and recipes, and food recommendations clearly marked, makes it easier for people to make a healthier choice.” The partnership will also benefit Rouses’ 4,800 team members. “Ochsner will be providing free, in-store education and health screenings for our team members,” said Rouse. “If we educate our employees, they, in turn, will educate our customers.”

The way Rouse and Quinlan see it, “Choose Healthy” should also be a boost to the local economy. Rouses has long promoted buying local, and Quinlan thinks that’s an important component of the obesity solution. “Part of Louisiana’s answer to the obesity crisis is encouraging people to eat fresh, local vegetables and seafood. Educating residents on a healthy diet, and encouraging them to take advantage of our natural resources, can shrink our community’s waistline and grow our local economy,” said Dr. Quinlan.

Ochsner Health System (www.ochsner.org) is a non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system dedicated to patient care, research and education. The system includes seven hospitals and over 35 health centers located throughout Southeast Louisiana. Ochsner employs more than 750 physicians in 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner has been listed as one of the “Best Places to Work” by New Orleans CityBusiness. In 2009, Ochsner was ranked as “Best” Hospital by U.S. News and World Report in Heart care, Urology and ENT services. Ochsner has 11,000 employees system-wide.

Founded in 1960 by the late Anthony J. Rouse Sr. with a single store in Houma, Louisiana, and only four employees, today Rouses (www.rouses.com) employs 4,800 people and has locations in two states. In 2007, Rouses Markets doubled in size by acquiring A&P’s Southern Division. In addition to four Mississippi Gulf Coast stores, Rouses Markets has 31 locations in Louisiana, making it the largest independent grocer in the state. In 2008, only one year after opening its first store in New Orleans, Rouses was voted “Best Supermarket in New Orleans” by Gambit Weekly. It was also voted one of the “Best Places to Work” by Louisiana Life Magazine.
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In Emergencies, Breastfeeding is a Lifeline with Valuable Health Benefits

2009-08-05T11:31:00.003-05:00

Ochsner Supports World Breastfeeding Week

NEW ORLEANS – Emergencies, including hurricanes and floods, can happen anywhere in the world, and during a disaster infants and young children are especially vulnerable to illness and death. In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1-7), Ochsner obstetricians and pediatricians are encouraging families to embrace breastfeeding as a lifeline and a shield to protect infants in emergencies; from natural disasters to the flu pandemic.

“In an emergency, hurricanes being the most common in our region, infants are one of the most vulnerable populations to infection,” said Cindy Boudreaux, RN, Ochsner Medical Center. “Often times, clean water is not readily available, as well as electricity, and infants are five times more likely to die in an emergency, primarily due to the inability to properly sterilize the baby’s formula. Breast milk is always available. It’s clean, and the mother/baby contact helps calm the infant by lowering stress cortisol levels in both mom and baby.”

Boudreaux adds that the antibodies in human milk also lower the risk of diarrhea and infections that can occur. The World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age and continued breastfeeding for two years or beyond – and its even more critical in emergencies.

This year, World Breastfeeding Week focuses on making sure families are prepared to continue breastfeeding in a natural disaster, an economic crisis or any other emergency. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that breastfeeding was found to have a significant impact on both infant and maternal health; mothers enjoy a reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes in the mother, and infants a reduced risk of:

• Acute ear infections
• Lower respiratory tract infections
• Asthma
• Obesity
• Type 1 and 2 diabetes
• Childhood leukemia
• Infant death syndrome

“Even smaller emergencies such as a job loss can hurt a family’s resources and make purchasing expensive formula very difficult,” said Boudreaux. “Because emergency situations don’t give us much warning, it’s important for moms to start a breastfeeding routine from day one.” The AAP, among others, recommends that babies exclusively breastfeed for at least the first six months of life.

Ochsner nurses provide many resources to help new moms; including a “Warm Line” that provides telephone assistance to any breastfeeding mother in the community. For assistance from a board certified lactation consultant on staff at Ochsner, call 504-842-5210 for Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans, 504-391-5195 for Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank, or 504-464-8345 for Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner.

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Ochsner - West Bank Campus: 45,000 Babies in 25 Years

2009-07-20T10:36:00.003-05:00

Mother-Baby Unit Offers Tailored, Personalized “Couplet Care”

GRETNA, LA – Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus celebrates 25 years of spreading joy to local families by delivering over 45,000 babies in the Mother-Baby Unit. Since 1984, the unit has averaged 1,825 deliveries per year and celebrates some of the region’s most tenured nurses, many with over 20 years of dedication to the unit.

“Chances are, if you were born at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus, you probably had your baby there as well – making the hospital a generational choice for many West Bank residents,” said Joan Rooney, Assistant Vice President of Women’s, Neonatal, and Primary Care Nursing at OMC – West Bank Campus.

Rooney credits the unit’s 25 years of successful service, in part, to its tenured nursing staff, “Many of our nurses have been with us for over 20 years, and their reputation along with professional expertise offers residents the reassurance they’re looking for when preparing for delivery.”

A unique service offered at Ochsner – West Bank is “Couplet Care,” in which mother and baby share a single registered nurse that offers personalized care for the new family in a one-on-one environment. “We assign each new mom and newborn their own “personal” RN who is familiar with every aspect of their visit; from the delivery room to patient room to education, and then tailors their care to what the family desires, all in a comfortable setting” explains Rooney.

If additional newborn care is required, Ochsner – West Bank has a Level III NICU. With fully staffed, 24/7 Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, Rooney says, “unique relationships are formed between the parents of premature babies and Neonatal Nurse Practitioners as we care for our community’s tiniest patients.” All Ochsner – West Bank Mother-Baby Unit registered nurses are Neonatal Resuscitation Certified and many possess Guided Infant Nursing Techniques (GIFT) certification, which qualifies them to offer advanced support for breast-feeding moms.

The OMC – West Bank Campus Mother-Baby Unit works hard to prepare new parents with the following services:
• Lamaze classes
• Car seat fittings to ensure the baby’s safety in a vehicle
• Sibling classes for a smooth transition into a growing family
• Safe Sitter® classes to train older siblings for safe babysitting
• Prenatal classes and massages
• Breast-Feeding classes
• Mother-Baby Unit Tours

For more information about OMC – West Bank Mother-Baby Unit, call 504- 391-5529 or visit www.ochsner.org.

Ochsner 1st in Louisiana to Use Robotics in Living-Donor Kidney Transplant for Faster Recovery

2009-07-14T09:16:00.001-05:00

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Medical Center (www.ochsner.org) performed the first robotic-assisted kidney transplant in Louisiana, and one of only a handful in the nation. Utilizing daVinci robotic technology, Ochsner transplant surgeons are able to make living-donor kidney transplants easier on the donor by using smaller incisions, which results in less pain and a faster recovery. Ochsner performed the operation in July 2009 with successful outcomes for the recipient and the donor. Ochsner has scheduled additional robotic-assisted operations in the coming weeks.

“By using the daVinci robot, living-kidney donations can be made through a smaller incision in the donor and require one overnight stay in the hospital,” explains Dr. Ari Cohen, Ochsner Transplant Surgeon, Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute. “Donating an organ is an important decision, and the daVinci enables us to make the procedure more comfortable for an individual who’s chosen to save a life. Further, we believe it makes the procedure more successful, due to the improved precision of the operation.” Kidney donors go on to live normal, healthy lives, free of restrictions.

Dr. Cohen explains that the daVinci robot is only used to remove a kidney, not to transplant it into a recipient. However, the robotics technology does benefit the recipient as it enables the surgeon to harvest the organ with increased precision and dexterity. “The high magnification of the robot allows us to better visualize and dissect blood vessels, making an intricate operation even more successful for both patients,” says Cohen. Ochsner physicians also use daVinci technology to perform hysterectomies and prostatectomies with plans for future use in cardiac procedures.

In 2002, Ochsner surgeons began using a laparoscope to dissect living-donor kidneys, reducing incisions and improving donor recovery, and robotics has elevated the procurement process even further. “This is the next level of technology,” says Cohen. “Moving forward, we anticipate procuring all living-donor kidneys with the help of robotics.” This technology isn’t limited to certain individuals; anyone who is a candidate to donate a kidney is a candidate for this procedure.

According to United National Organ Sharing (UNOS), currently over 1,600 people in Louisiana and 80,000 nationwide are on kidney transplant waiting lists. “Hopefully this advancement, with the reduced impact it has on donors and improved transplant precision, will encourage more people to consider living-related kidney donations,” remarks Cohen.

New Orleans-based Ochsner Medical Center has some of the nation’s shortest wait times and highest success rates for kidney transplantation. Since its inception, the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute has performed over 3,400 life-saving transplants. It is a Medicare approved transplant center for heart, liver and kidney, a Center of Excellence for most insurers, carries the Blue Distinction Centers for transplant, and has hotel accommodations on the premises. For more information, call Ochsner’s 24-hour Transplant Hotline at 1-800-643-1635.

Ochsner Named a 2009 “Most Wired” Hospital for 6th Year in a Row

2009-07-08T12:53:00.002-05:00

“100 Most Wired” Hospitals Lead Industry in Consumer-Directed Health Care"

NEW ORLEANS – For the 6th year in a row, Ochsner Health System remains the only New Orleans hospital to be singled out as one of the nation’s Most Wired, according to the results of the 2009 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study released in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. The 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems began in 1999 and Ochsner has been listed for the past six years. This year, Ochsner was also named as one of the top 25 Most Wireless hospitals in the United States.

“Healthcare information technology is a critical component of the healthcare delivery system. Since consumers are doing everything from booking travel to managing their finances from their living rooms, being a Most Wired hospital allows Ochsner to provide local residents with the same opportunities such as online appointment requests, online ER wait times, and electronic medical records,” says Dr. Lynn Witherspoon, System Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Ochsner Health System.

The Most Wired Survey is conducted annually by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, a publication of the American Hospital Association, which releases its annual list every July. The survey focuses on how the nation’s hospitals’ use information technology for quality, customer service, public health and safety, business processes and workforce issues.

Hospitals that are honored typically have superior patient satisfaction results in the following areas:
 95 percent patient satisfaction rates of Most Wired hospital’s admissions process
 99 percent patient satisfaction of Most Wired hospital’s physicians
 95 percent patient satisfaction in an overall assessment of Most Wired hospitals
 90 percent patient satisfaction of Most Wired hospital’s discharge process

The nation’s 100 Most Wired are also using information technology to improve quality, satisfaction and patient care by investing in technology to streamline business and clinical practices; to reduce medical errors; and to improve clinical outcomes.

The July H&HN story is available at http://www.hhnmag.com/hhnmag_app/gateFold/pages/JULY09.jsp

Ochsner – West Bank Campus Offers Perinatal Classes, the Old-Fashioned Way

2009-07-07T11:02:00.000-05:00

Moms-To-Be Encouraged to Attend Baby Classes, not rely on Online Info

GRETNA, LA – There are some things the Internet can’t replace and, according to Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank, tips on delivering and caring for a baby is definitely one of those instances. As the Internet Generation’s attention spans grow shorter, more are turning to the Web for instant information, but the Family Unit nurses at Ochsner - West Bank Campus say often the best advice is given in person and shared by others.

“Online information is definitely easier for busy new moms, but the camaraderie and bonding in Lamaze classes cannot be replicated anywhere but in the classroom environment. The friendships that are formed over time become personal support groups, in fact, I still keep in touch with women I met in my first Lamaze class,” said Joan Rooney, Assistant Vice President of Women’s, Neonatal, and Primary Care Nursing at OMC – West Bank.

“We’re concerned that Ochsner – West Bank Campus’s perinatal class attendance has seen a downturn since the advent of ‘Internet learning’,” says Rooney. Rooney goes on to say that the individuals who learn online may be receiving misinformation or information not personalized to their pregnancy. She identified the medical classroom environment as the only, proven place to receive safe, accurate information from qualified nurses, in a hands-on setting. Participation is recommended by 20 to 24 weeks gestation (into pregnancy).

Rooney says, even online video tutorials can’t match the value of hands-on, guided instruction from a registered nurse. Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus offers a wide range of courses each month to prepare new moms and dads for the delivery and care of their newborn. Perinatal services include:
• Lamaze classes
• Proper Baby Car seat installation
• Pre-natal classes: Labor & Delivery, Anesthesia choices, Newborn and Post- Partal care, and Massages
• Breast-Feeding classes and free pre-natal lactation consultation by appointment
• Sibling classes for a smooth transition into a growing family
• Safe Sitter® classes to train older siblings for safe babysitting
• Mother Baby and Labor and Delivery Unit Tours

For more information on Perinatal Education Classes at OMC – West Bank Campus, call 504-366-BABY or visit www.ochsner.org.

Ochsner Health System (www.ochsner.org) is a non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system dedicated to patient care, research and education.

Ochsner ERs Offer Tips for Safe 4th of July

2009-07-02T10:37:00.002-05:00

NEW ORLEANS – Fireworks may seem like a fun way to celebrate our nation’s birthday, yet every year they send thousands of people to local Emergency Rooms. In fact, the 4th of July holiday is one of the busiest days of the year for eye surgeons and others who treat victims of accidental trauma. Below are some alarming statistics:

- 8,500 fireworks-related injuries are reported every year in the United States. Of these, about 2,000 are eye injuries.
o 1/3 or 600 result in permanent eye damage
o 1/4 or 500 result in permanent vision loss or blindness
- 25% of all eye injuries caused by consumer fireworks happen to bystanders.
- 75% of all fireworks-related eye injuries happen to boys between the ages of 13 and 15.

“The most dangerous kind of firework is the bottle rocket because they fly erratically, often causing bystander injuries. Additionally, the bottles and cans used to launch bottle rockets often explode, showering fragments of glass and metal,” says Dr. Joseph Guarisco, Ochsner Systems Chief of Emergency Services.

“The most common firework injury for preschoolers involves sparklers and burns. While most adults view sparklers as the most harmless of fireworks, in reality these sticks of fire can burn as hot as 1,800 degrees,” warns Dr. Guarisco.

The best advice for anyone considering consumer fireworks as part of their holiday celebration; fireworks are best enjoyed at a community display, not in your backyard. Additional tips from ophthalmologists and emergency room physicians include:
- Never let children play with exploding fireworks and rockets of any kind.
- Children playing with sparklers should be closely supervised.
- View public fireworks displays from at least 500 feet away or up to a quarter of a mile.
- Respect the safety barriers set up to allow pyrotechnicians to do their jobs safely.
- Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.
- If you find unexploded fireworks, don't touch them. Contact your local fire or police department.

“Remember, fireworks injuries are devastating yet preventable. Make it a safe Independence Day for everyone by enjoying fireworks set up by professionals,” Dr. Guarisco.

West Bank Cardiologist Holds National, International Medical Influence

2009-06-29T16:21:00.000-05:00

FDA Food Safety and Cardiac Standards Expert from the West Bank

MARRERO, LA – Before the latest medications are available to U.S. residents, approval goes through the West Bank; more specifically, long-time local resident and physician, Dr. Frederick Kushner, Medical Director of the Heart Clinic of Louisiana and an affiliate of Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus. Many of Dr. Kushner’s patients may not realize it, but he is part of an elite group of physicians, serving on a national FDA board that deals with issues of food safety and cardiology task force that sets standards of patient care for the entire nation.

Dr. Kushner is one of 16 individuals on the Science Advisory Board for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who advise on new developments affecting national food safety, including detecting salmonella food contamination, and he’s one of 15 physicians on the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (ACC) Task Force who oversees the development of clinical practice standards for all cardiologists in the United States and Canada.

In addition to his national influence on cardiac care, Dr. Kushner’s local impact can be seen through the lives he saves in his patient practice. “I’ve been on some of these panels for over fifteen years and, although it’s not something I discuss with my patients, I think it’s important for local residents to realize that national decisions regarding their healthcare are being made in their own backyards.”

Dr. Kushner can see first-hand his influence in determining how new cardiac drugs and devices are applied. For example, on the Practice Guidelines Task Force, Dr. Kushner is the only practicing cardiologist, so his informed and updated input is especially valuable. Whenever a cardiologist orders a nuclear stress test or a patient admits to the hospital experiencing a heart attack, Dr. Kushner, as Co-Chairman of the 2009 ACC Committee for the Treatment of Heart Attacks, had a hand in developing the appropriate steps for treatment.

His training at the Harvard School of Medicine and 30-plus years of medical experience qualify Dr. Kushner to offer a unique, hands-on perspective to these national panels. Dr. Kushner’s most recent works include the FDA Focused Update and the Cardiovascular Risk Assessment, which he advised and are scheduled to be published in the Fall of 2009.

Remember that every time you are treated by a cardiologist, use a new cardiac device or drug, or hear about new issues in food and drug safety, you are being impacted by the work of a talented physician right here on the West Bank.
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Pregnancy Doubles the Danger for Heat Exhaustion

2009-06-24T16:21:00.000-05:00

Ochsner Obstetrician Offers Advice to Prevent Heat Harm to Unborn Baby

NEW ORLEANS, LA – As local temperatures hover near 100 degrees, prompting heat advisories, Ochsner obstetricians warn that pregnant women are more prone to heat stroke. Pregnancy naturally elevates the body’s temperature, leading women to suffer heat exhaustion more rapidly in extreme temperatures and potentially harming an unborn child.

“The extreme heat we are facing can be a real danger to pregnant women who are not cautious. During pregnancy a woman cares for two bodies, hers and that of her baby. Therefore, it will take almost twice the fluid and energy to cool her core temperature during extreme heat exposure,” warns Dr. Michael Wiedemann, OB/GYN, Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner.

Heat stroke refers to an abnormally heightened body temperature, exacerbated by hot weather or heavy physical exertion. For pregnant women, heat stroke is a very relevant concern in summer months. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Flushed skin
• Absence of sweating
• Confusion and disorientation

“When pregnant women are exposed to extreme temperatures and begin exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, they run the risk of harming their baby’s development. In the worst case, the mother may experience a miscarriage,” warns Dr. Wiedemann.

Dr. Wiedemann says women should take extra precautions to stay cool, offering the following advice:
• Exercise indoors as much as possible (with doctor-approved exercises only)
• Run errands in the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler
• Stay hydrated with beverages containing electrolytes and nutrients, like sports drinks
• Take frequent breaks during the day
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Carry a small spritz bottle of water to cool off periodically

If you believe yourself or someone around you is experiencing heat stroke, Dr. Wiedemann emphasizes taking steps to immediately cool the patient down by fanning them, applying ice packs and/or cool water to the skin, and, especially in the case of pregnant women, get to your local emergency room as quickly as possible.

Ochsner Hosts “Mommy-To-Be” Expo on the West Bank

2009-06-04T10:10:00.000-05:00

HARVEY, LA – On Saturday, June 6, 2009, from 11am-2pm, Ochsner will host a FREE Mommy-To-Be Expo at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus, 2500 Belle Chasse Highway. When its time to welcome your new baby, moms and dads want to be close to their physician, so Ochsner is inviting West Bank future mom’s to tour the OMC-West Bank Campus Labor and Delivery suites and Mother-Baby Units, along with the latest baby accessories by local vendors.

“Ochsner’s goal is to invite our neighbors and local families to see and utilize the many “new mom” resources that exist within the West Bank community,” said Joan Rooney, RN, Director of Women's and Neonatal Services at the Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus. “We hope to help prepare future and new moms for their newborn, from car seat safety seminars to nutritional lectures to post-pregnancy advice,” says Rooney.

Future and new parents will have the opportunity to attend seminars on breast feeding, infant and pregnancy massages and pets and newborns at the event. Moms will have the chance to register for Ochsner Lamaze classes and prenatal classes and door prizes will be given away every half hour.

Local vendors participating in the Mommy-to-Be Expo at Ochsner – West Bank include:

• Manhattan Athletic Club
• Louisiana SPCA
• The Baby Shop
• On Location Photography
• Jefferson Parish Library
• Spa Manhattan
• Lifesource Cryo Bank (Cord Blood Banking)
• Szabo’s Party Supply Center
• St. Phillip’s Episcopal Preschool
• Abbey Printing
• Parrot Pete’s
• Judy’s Hallmark
• Better Bottoms Diaper Delivery
• Princess Party Palace, LLC
• Hope’s Carousel
• Bocage Creative Design Bakery
• Aurora Swim Club (Baby Swim Lessons)

For more information, visit www.Ochsner.org/MommyToBe or call 504-392-3131.

Ochsner Introduces Literacy Program to Promote Healthy Minds

2009-05-29T07:40:00.001-05:00

Reading to Children Early Helps Identify Developmental Delays and Promote Growth

NEW ORLEANS –On Friday, May 29, from 10:30am – 11:30am, at 1315 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Ochsner for Children will “Reach Out and Read” with Louisiana’s First Lady Supriya Jindal as it announces a pediatrician-led childhood literacy program. In this initiative, pediatricians encourage parents to read aloud to children in order to promote overall development and identify communication delays in young children. Mrs. Jindal will speak about the importance of literacy, the Supriya Jindal Foundation for Louisiana’s Children, and will read aloud to pediatric patients.

Since literacy is one of the best predictors of overall cognitive development and behavioral health, during children’s well check visits at Ochsner for Children, pediatricians are giving infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers a free book and encouraging parents to read aloud. Reading materials are developmentally and culturally appropriate and range from board books to more complex picture books.

Reach Out and Read will help physicians better diagnose communication disorders by reviewing with parents their observations of a child’s ability to remember stories, point to characters in the books, and eventually develop language and reading skills. “This program takes advantage of early brain development, a time before formal education, when children are sponges for learning. The knowledge acquired during this period will impact their learning potential for life,” says Dr. Daniel Bronfin, Vice Chairman of Pediatrics at Ochsner. “A book-a-day is up there with an apple-a-day.”

The program was initiated at Ochsner by Dr. Michelle Payette, Ochsner Clinical Research Coordinator, who was inspired by her own life experiences with her son, Spencer. An advocate of literacy for children and adults, as a young girl, Payette tutored deaf children and adults in reading and math and, during her medical residency; she worked as a Reach Out and Read Coordinator. When her son was born with developmental delays, Payette realized the importance of exposing him to books and music to help him overcome language and speech delays.

“Detecting communication disorders early in childhood is critical because it allows children to make more significant progress in their delays,” says Dr. Michelle Payette. “With plenty of hard work and early intervention, Spencer is doing very well and is graduating from Kindergarten this year and was chosen to be in an advanced reading program. I’m so proud of my son and the hurdles he’s overcome.”

“Reach Out and Read increases dialogue between parents and physicians. When we read to children, we give them a gift that lasts a lifetime,” explains Dr. Daniel Bronfin. “As a father and pediatrician, I’ve found that reading to a child and encouraging literacy helps spark imagination and provides children with a lasting foundation for learning.”

Reach Out and Read is a national non-profit organization based in Boston that promotes early literacy by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. Nationally, this year physicians will give out five million new books to three million families in the U.S through Reach Out and Read (www.reachoutandread.org.)

Ochsner Hosts "Senior Day" at West Bank's Manhattan Athletic Club

2009-05-27T09:42:00.000-05:00

Free Screenings, Physician Lectures and a Healthy Lunch Offered to Local Seniors

HARVEY, LA – A Golden Opportunity for West Bank Seniors on Wednesday, May 27, as Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank’s Golden Opportunity club and Manhattan Athletic Club team together to host “Senior Day,” a FREE event for adults ages 50 and older. The festivities will take place from 9am-2pm, at the Manhattan Athletic Club, 4162 Manhattan Boulevard.

“Senior Day is a great opportunity for adults over 50 to take advantage of free health screenings and tips from fitness experts on age appropriate exercises,” explains Dr. Yvens Laborde, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank. “Regular health screenings like blood pressure and cholesterol checks, when paired with healthy eating and exercise, can significantly reduce improve quality of life and longevity.”

Several local Ochsner physicians will present 30-minute lectures on medical issues most common in seniors. The discussions will include:
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome: Dr. Kearney Robert, Orthopedist
Breast Health: Dr. John Kennedy, Ochsner Oncologist
Osteoporosis: Dr. Amanda Fontenot, Ochsner Internist

Local residents will enjoy some of the following Senior Day activities:
Aquatic Exercise Demonstration
Exchange Alley Fashion Show
“Dancing Like a Star” class
Manhattan Athletic Club Tours
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL and glucose screenings
Summertime Grilling Demonstration
Free, Healthy Brown Bag Lunch provided by Morrison’s Healthcare Food Services
Chair Yoga Demonstration

Additionally, The Manhattan Athletic Club will host drawing for (5), one-month memberships, gift baskets and free smoothies. For more information, call Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank’s Guest Services at 504-391-5126.

Ochsner Supports Local Re-Building Efforts

2009-05-21T08:16:00.000-05:00

Ochsner announces the completion of two neighborhood-focused rebuilding efforts: the re-opening of Ochsner Health Center – Lakeview at 101 W. Robert E. Lee Boulevard and the Lakeview Playground Fair, supported by Ochsner Baptist Medical Center.

“Rebuilding is a fact of life in post-Katrina New Orleans and Ochsner is committed to supporting local efforts that will help improve the quality of life for local residents and build a healthier community,” says Robert Wolterman, CEO, Ochsner Baptist. “As we make great strides in rebuilding and expanding Ochsner Baptist, we feel it’s important to also support local organizations and their efforts.”

As Ochsner’s Metairie Family Practice physicians Dr. Tara Berner, Dr. Sarah Holt, Dr. Sherise Olivier, and Dr. Leandro Area return to their pre-Katrina location at Ochsner Lakeview to provide primary care, lab and radiology services to the community, local children will now have a great place to celebrate in time for Memorial Day. The Lakeview Playground was under water for three weeks following Katrina and has slowly re-emerged due to the support of grants and grassroots efforts.

“In order to for us to reach our goal of rebuilding the playground, we needed an organization like Ochsner to step up and throw their support behind the project. Ochsner’s commitment will allow us to make even more improvements to the park,” says Arthur Boisfontaine, President, Lakeview Playground and Crystal Clear Imaging Partner. “Saturday’s Fair will kick-off the cabbage ball and baseball season with a flag-raising and various family activities. Children will play baseball while the fair is going on with seven fields active throughout.”

Boisfontaine explains the magnitude of the playground re-build, “Lakeview Playground has 1,200 kids in their baseball program and over 400 children participate on different sports teams every night. The playground is a significant resource to the community.”

As the summer sports season gets into high gear, Dr. Matthew LeBoeuf, Ochsner Baptist ER Assistant Medical Director, offers the following heat exhaustion and dehydration tips:
· Avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as they can lead to dehydration.
· Wear lightweight, tightly-woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
· Wear a hat, sunglasses and use an umbrella.
· Gradually get your body used to the heat by taking frequent drink breaks.

Physicians recommend applying one ounce (a shot glass) worth of SPF 15 sunscreen to exposed areas 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and re-applying that same amount every two hours; sooner if you sweat a lot.

For more information about Ochsner Health Center – Lakeview, please call (504) 846-9646.

Ochsner CEO Named To List of 50 Most Powerful Physician Executives in U.S.

2009-05-13T10:12:00.000-05:00

NEW ORLEANS - Ochsner has announced that Dr. Patrick Quinlan, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Health System, has been named to the list of the most powerful physician executive in the nation by Modern Physician magazine for the fourth time. This honor is part of the magazine’s fifth annual ranking of the “50 Most Powerful Physician Executives in Healthcare.” In previous years, Quinlan has ranked No. 1 in 2007, No. 10 in 2006 and No. 43 in 2005 by readers of Modern Physician and Modern Healthcare.

“We’re very proud that Dr. Quinlan has been recognized again for his leadership and the strategic perspective he’s provided in the national conversation about health care reform,” said Mr. Warner Thomas, President and COO of Ochsner Health System.

Other honorees include executives from the healthcare industry: hospital systems, the U.S. Senate, federal health agencies, patient advocacy groups, health insurance companies, unions, prestigious journals and academic programs. The list was compiled from reader nominations. Rankings can be seen in the May 2009 issue of Modern Physician Magazine or at www.ModernPhysician.com.

ModernPhysician.com is the leading online source of business news and information for physician executives, leaders and entrepreneurs. This site addresses the issues of most importance to physician executives by providing daily news updates, in-depth feature stories, archives that trace the history and development of the physician executive movement and links to various industry resources.

Ochsner Prepared If Swine Flu Spreads

2009-04-29T10:30:00.000-05:00

NEW ORLEANS – As of 10am CST, Ochsner and Louisiana have no reported cases of Swine Flu and Ochsner Health System (www.ochsner.org is fully prepared to provide medical care and information in the event of an emergency.

“Ochsner has been training for years to handle all types of emergencies, each facility has a pandemic plan, and we’re confident in our ability to serve the public should any suspected cases of Swine Flu present at our facilities,” says Norris Yarbrough, Assistant Vice President of Ochsner Emergency Preparedness and Response. Ochsner, along with the other hospitals in the region, have been in direct contact with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), monitoring the situation several times, with weekly conference calls and strictly adhering to CDC guidelines.

“We want the public to know that should suspicious symptoms occur, Ochsner is prepared with appropriate CDC protocol,” says Yarbrough. The process includes testing to determine whether the strain is regular influenza versus an un-classified strain. If the case is un-classified, State Police will then transport to the State laboratory in Baton Rougefor further testing and to the CDC for final analysis.

“Depending upon the volume of testing, a diagnosis typically returns in 1 to 2 days,” says Yarbrough. Treatment:In the event of a Swine Flu diagnosis, the CDC has recommended the use of Tamiflu, which is an antiviral or an antibiotic for the virus to lessen the effects. Ochsner Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Kathy Baumgarten, warns, “taking Tamiflu unnecessarily may lead to resistance of the virus and lack of availability to a medication that may be beneficial to someone who does in fact have the flu. Thus we highly discourage people from asking physicians for prescriptions."

The most effective treatment individuals can take is to be aware of the symptoms and respond immediately to their healthcare provider for care. Prevention:“Better to be over prepared. At Ochsner, we are strongly stressing appropriate infection control practices for all employees and we’re increasing the number of public hand sanitizer stations within the hospital to encourage employees and patients to sanitize their hands more often,” says Baumgarten.

For more information about swine flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu or visit www.ochsner.org

OCHSNER AND LSUHSC PARTNER TO PROVIDE BETTER LOCAL ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CARE

2009-04-28T11:45:00.001-05:00

Shared Physicians, Diagnosis, Locations, and Research Benefit Regional Cancer Patients

NEW ORLEANS –Ochsner Health System (www.ochsner.org) and LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (www.lsuhsc.edu) have announced a partnership to better serve the region’s cancer patients by combining clinical care and cancer research in order to advance patient treatment options and provide better access to care. This collaboration will also further the development of critical, translational research, bridging the gap between research and the delivery of new therapies by allowing research to move rapidly from the laboratory into additional early phase clinical trials and new treatments for cancer patients.

The partnership between the two medical leaders began in 2008 and is centered on combining LSUHSC, the state’s largest cancer research facility, with Ochsner, the state’s largest clinical cancer provider, to bring better local access to comprehensive cancer care. Patients will benefit from this partnership by having access to the latest research trials and treatments closer to home and the ability to receive comprehensive cancer care through a combined network of local physicians and neighborhood locations. LSUHSC and Ochsner patients will have access to cancer services at both organizations.

“Southeast Louisiana residents will now have a truly diverse ‘team’ of cancer care experts, clinical experts and research leaders, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive cancer care within the local community,” said Dr. John Cole, M.D., Head of Hematology/Oncology at Ochsner Medical Center and Acting Chief of Hematology/Oncology at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. “By combining our expertise, patients will no longer have to travel outside Louisiana to get the most current cancer treatments or participate in potentially lifesaving clinical trials.”

“The joint program will allow scientists and clinicians to jointly study the most frequent cancers in our region and design new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat them,” notes Dr. Augusto Ochoa, Director of the LSUHSC Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center.

“This partnership was developed from mutual commitment to provide the best care for our communities. Ochsner and LSUHSC have a long tradition of partnership through shared medical education and research trials; however, this latest collaboration will have a more direct impact on residents lives,” explains Warner Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ochsner Health System.
“LSU Health Sciences Center and Ochsner have a number of joint training programs for resident physicians,” said Dr. Larry Hollier, Chancellor of LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. “This new initiative in clinical cancer care will expand the ability of both institutions to provide the latest diagnosis and treatment for a broad range of cancer patients. This is an important milestone in the recovery of health care services for people in the New Orleans area.”

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Ochsner Warns of Swine Flu Symptoms and Offers Prevention Tips

2009-04-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hand washing and Immediate Medical Care Essential

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Health System joins with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in alerting local residents of the potential of swine influenza viruses spreading to Louisiana and strongly encourages prevention tips, such as hand washing and immediate medical attention if symptoms appear. With confirmed cases in New York, Kansas, California, Ohio, and Texas, Ochsner infectious disease experts recommend the following, common-sense, advice in order to stay healthy.

Tips to Avoid Swine Flu:
1. Since influenza is thought to spread person-to-person through contact, coughing or sneezing:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away.
· Wash your hands often with soap or alcohol-based hand cleaners, especially after you cough or sneeze.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
· Avoid close contact with sick people.
2. If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you immediately go to your physician, then stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

“These are new viruses with a gene makeup never seen before and will not be cured with the traditional influenza vaccine that most people received several months ago,” says Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, Ochsner Infectious Disease Specialist. “There are treatments available, but patients must contact their physicians immediately if they begin experiencing fever and respiratory symptoms.” This strain of influenza is a combination of genes from swine, bird, and human influenza viruses

Flu-Like Symptoms of Swine Flu:
High Fever
Aches and pains
Sore throats
Painful coughing and trouble breathing

According to the CDC, currently those most at risk include individuals 1) who live or have recently traveled to San Diego or Imperial counties, California, or Guadalupe County, Texas, 2) who traveled recently to Mexico or were in contact with persons who had swine flu and were in the above mentioned U.S. counties or Mexico during the 7 days preceding their illness onset.

The CDC has also been working closely with public health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO), and has NOT recommended that people avoid travel to affected areas at this time. Recommendations found at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx will help travelers reduce risk of infection and stay healthy.

· For more information about swine flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
· Additional information is also available by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

Ochsner Sponsors Zurich Classic and Offers Tips on Improving Health

2009-04-16T08:29:00.000-05:00

Adding a Healthy Swing to Your Golf Handicap

NEW ORLEANS – From April 20th – 26th, Ochsner will serve as the Official Health Care Provider of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans by staffing the event’s first aid tents and offering Ochsner Eat Fit healthy menu options. While world-class, PGA golfers compete for a million-dollar purse, Ochsner is hoping that local residents will take notice of the healthy lifestyle that golfing can offer. You may not make the PGA Tour, but you could loose that extra weight around the middle.

“At first glance, golf doesn’t seem like a cardio game; however, if players will forgo the motorized golf cart and walk the greens, they can get a pretty good workout,” explains Dr. Carl Lavie, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Director of Exercise Laboratories.

According to Golf Science International, the four hours it takes to play 18 holes is comparable to a 45-minute fitness class. Yet another study, done at the Rose Center for Health and Sports Sciences in Denver, estimates that walking 18 holes is the same as walking four to five miles.

“Walking is in fact one of the easiest and most effective methods of exercise; however if you’re just getting started its best to take it easy on the greens by alternating walking the course and riding in the cart. Instead of carrying your clubs, be sure to use a pull cart or a motorized caddy to preserve your back,” says Tavis Piattoly, Assistant General Manager at Ochsner’s Elmwood Fitness Center.

Other reasons to choose a round of golf for a healthy, stress-reducing activity include:
Mood enhancement: Since any form of exercise releases natural, mood enhancing drugs called endorphins into your bloodstream, a round of golf if the perfect way to distract you from Wall Street woes. Plus, you get to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
Muscle Toning: Anyone who’s tried their hand at golf can attest it’s a learning experience since swinging a club isn’t a natural motion. The swing uses different muscles in your arm, shoulder, back, and leg muscles, that don’t normally see activity in the course of a normal day.
Heart Health: Walking is aerobic exercise, which has many benefits including strengthening your heart and cardiovascular system, improving your circulation, increasing energy levels and endurance, and lowering blood pressure.
Stamina Building: By walking around the golf course weekly, you’ll soon begin to notice an increase in your stamina, you’ll be less out of breath, and, hopefully, your waistline will shrink along with your handicap.

The one major pitfall that could ruin a heart-healthy golf game is the clubhouse caloric overload. After you’ve spent a few hundred calories don’t waste them on empty alcohol or fat laden food.

###

Ochsner Medical Residency Programs Reach Capacity

2009-03-20T09:33:00.001-05:00

Health System Fills its 51 NRMP “Match Positions”

NEW ORLEANS, LA– Today marks a significant milestone for medical students on a national level as they learn where they’re going to pursue their residency education. Ochsner Health System in New Orleans announced that it has filled its 51 residency positions offered through “The Match.” Ochsner is an independent, integrated, academic medical center that has trained thousands of physicians for over 65 years.

In 2006, Ochsner grew to become a seven-hospital system and with that came broader educational opportunities for medical training. As a sign of continued growth and commitment to medical education, “Ochsner’s training programs have never been stronger and we have tremendous opportunities for post-training employment,” says Dr. William W. Pinsky, Executive Vice President for System Medical Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at Ochsner.

Of the 51 matched positions at Ochsner, 35% were from Louisiana Medical Schools (LSU-Shreveport, LSU-New Orleans, and Tulane), 39% were from Out-of-State Medical Schools, and 26% represented International Schools.

Ochsner Health System operates one of the nation’s largest, independently accredited graduate medical education programs, offering training to over 200 interns, residents and fellows in 18 Ochsner-sponsored programs and 90 residents in jointly-sponsored programs with LSU and Tulane. Additionally, 50 plus residents and fellows rotate to Ochsner monthly in various disciplines of medicine under affiliations with local medical schools and hospitals. Over 400 medical students do 3rd year core and 4th year elective rotations annually.

Ochsner hosts over 400 allied health students from around the U.S., for clinical rotations, in addition to the Radiology and Respiratory Care students that Ochsner trains in conjunction with Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Ochsner also maintains strong relationships with local nursing schools.

Dr. Pinsky goes on to say “Ochsner is a recognized community leader, committed to the recovery of our region. We’re expanding services and reaching into all areas and neighborhoods in order to assure quality healthcare for our community. Ochsner was founded on the principles of academics and has invested in research and education activities.”

As a major academic medical center, Ochsner is fully committed to the rebuilding and revitalization of healthcare in our community and the Gulf South region. For more information on the National Residency Matching Program, visit www.nrmp.org.

Ochsner Goes Transparent by Posting ER Wait Times Online

2009-03-12T14:57:00.001-05:00

Online Door-to-Doctor Times Empower Patients to Decide Where to Seek Fastest Care

NEW ORLEANS – As more Americans express concern over their healthcare, New Orleans-based Ochsner Medical Center (www.ochsner.org ) has taken the first step in becoming more transparent about its available medical care and empowering patients to gain faster service. Ochsner is now posting online, “real time” wait times for its four New Orleans area emergency rooms, thereby allowing patients the option to be treated more quickly at another Ochsner hospital for non-life- threatening conditions. The wait times are available at www.ochsner.org.

“High volumes have some emergency rooms in New Orleans experiencing substantial wait times,” says Guarisco, Ochsner Systems Chief of Emergency Services. “In an effort to better meet patient needs, we’re electronically surveying our four local hospitals’ real time and passing wait times on to patients who can then make an informed decision to either stay where they are or travel to another location and be seen sooner.” According to Guarisco, on average, 90 percent of ER visits are considered urgent care, while 10 percent are actual medical emergencies.

Ochsner (www.ochsner.org) is offering this information to patients in an effort to improve healthcare for the community and meet patients’ growing requests for information about their care. “When patients arrive at the emergency room, their expectation is that they’ll be placed in a room and evaluated by the provider and the faster we can do that the better it is for the patient,” says Guarisco.

“Recently, we displayed door-to-doctor wait times and several patients opted to choose shorter lines at Ochsner emergency rooms in Kenner, LA, and Ochsner Baptist in Uptown New Orleans,” says Guarisco. “Not only did those patients receive quality care quickly, it also decongested the ER where they first arrived– a balancing act that benefits everyone.”

Ochsner (www.ochsner.org) has fully-staffed emergency rooms at the following greater New Orleans locations:
- 1514 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (Ochsner Medical Center)
- 180 West Esplanade Ave., Kenner (Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner)
- 2700 Napoleon Ave., Uptown New Orleans (Ochsner Baptist Medical Center)
- 2500 Belle Chasse Highway, Gretna (Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank)

“Ochsner is committed to helping all patients in an emergency and we never turn anyone away, however, we want the public to know if they can travel to another Ochsner location to receive faster care, it will benefit them and the entire healthcare system,” explains Guarisco.

Ochsner Welcomes Girl Scouts for Science Discovery Day

2009-03-12T10:11:00.000-05:00

Four local Troops Tour Ochsner’s Research iLab to Learn about Medical Discoveries

NEW ORLEANS – Cookies and camping trips aside, the Girl Scouts are experimenting with some new discoveries – medical discoveries. On Saturday, March 14, 2009, from 10am to 3pm, 40 local, Junior Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to spend an entire day experimenting in the Ochsner Medical Center iLab, located at 1514 Jefferson Highway. The youngsters will be guided through the scientific discovery process by Ochsner scientists.

In order to develop well-rounded young ladies, the Girl Scouts of America has upped the ante with new patches to be awarded to those girls who get first-hand experience with the latest technologies. Saturday experiments will include Biome in a Baggie, Yeast Balloons, Act Like a Scientist and much more. Each experiment will teach the scouts about the scientific process and its role and importance in every day life. All of the Girl Scouts completing Ochsner’s Discovery Day will receive a “Science Discovery” patch.

“We’re excited to be a part of the new generation of scouting; where young ladies continue traditional activities as well as benefit from new and exciting experiences in science and technology. By providing events such as Science Discovery Day through our Academic Outreach program, we hope to generate greater interest in careers in science and healthcare,” says Janice Piazza, Vice President of Academics at Ochsner Health System.

Participating Junior Girl Scout Troops include:
Troop 351 from Baton Rouge
Troop 611 from Marrero
Troop 559 from Baton Rouge
Troop 422 from Covington

What You Need to Know About Thyroid Cancer

2009-03-04T12:45:00.000-06:00

“Hello Health” Community Event at the Chateau Country Club in Kenner

NEW ORLEANS – If your doctor has diagnosed you as having a thyroid nodule or an enlargement of the thyroid known as goiter, it is important to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment process, and their relationship to cancer. Thyroid nodules appear as swelling or a lump, which can be a solid or liquid filled cyst or mass, and are very common. While more than 90% of these nodules are benign, a small percentage can be cancerous, so all nodules should be evaluated by a physician as soon as they are noticed.

To educate patients about these thyroid problems and their treatment options, Ochsner Health System is hosting a Hello Health seminar on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at 12:00pm at the Chateau Country Club in Kenner. Dr. Paul Spring, ENT at Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner, will be the guest speaker. The cost is $15 and lunch is included. Reservations are required.

To register, call 1-866-OCHSNER (1-866-624-7637) between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

Ochsner Reports January ’09 Record Rise in Transplants

2009-02-27T08:41:00.000-06:00

Ochsner Reports January ’09 Record Rise in Transplants
30 Transplants in January 2009 Linked to Increased Donor Awareness

NEW ORLEANS – January 2009 marked a new year and a new beginning for 30 patients on the Ochsner transplant waiting list. In its busiest month since the program’s inception in 1984, Ochsner’s transplant team performed an amazing 16 liver, 11 kidney, 2 pancreas, and 1 heart transplant; a 100-percent increase over January 2008. This record increase is attributed to a rise in organ donation awareness in Louisiana.

“A transplant operation is a true team approach. The hard work it takes to coordinate such an extraordinary effort is a testament to the dedication of Ochsner’s comprehensive corps of medical professionals and the hospital’s commitment to provide the resources needed for such complex operations,” says Dr. George Loss, Transplant Surgeon and Chief of the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute.

“This accomplishment can be attributed to Ochsner’s skilled medical team and the kindness and generosity of the community we serve.” This is a direct result of people signing up to become organ donors and recognizing the importance of giving the gift of life,” says Loss. According to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, their organ donor registry has increased over 100,000 in the past 6 months; that equals to 15,000 Louisiana residents per month signing up to become organ donors. The current LOPA organ donor registry stands at 1.79 million Louisiana residents.

In 2008, Ochsner joined with LOPA to ask Louisiana residents to make an informed and personal decision to Donate Life. The most important step an individual needs to take in order to become an organ donor is to make their wishes known to family members. Individuals can also register online at www.lopa.org, call 1-800-521-GIVE (4483), or mark your driver’s license.

“Since its inception, the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute has performed over 2,700 life-saving liver, kidney, pancreas, heart, and lung transplants, making it the Gulf South’s leading transplant center,” says Loss. “Our list of patients has now grown to such an extent that the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute consistently has the majority of patients awaiting liver transplantation within the state.”

According to Loss, Ochsner’s success with organ transplantation can be attributed to four factors: 1) an extraordinary team of medical professionals, 2) UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) dictates that organs donated within Louisiana go to the sickest patients first, which are most often at Ochsner, 3) the immeasurable support of an effective organ procurement agency such as LOPA, and, most importantly, 4) the kindness of a community that supports the life saving act of organ donation.

In addition to some of the shortest wait times in the nation, Ochsner also celebrates some of the best survival rates:
1-year Ochsner liver transplant patient survival rate of 94% (National patient survival rate 88%)
· 1-year Ochsner kidney transplant graft survival 95% (National graft survival rate 93%)
Ochsner is also a Medicare approved transplant center for heart, liver and kidney transplantation and a Center of Excellence for most insurers.

Ochsner performs ongoing clinical and laboratory research projects representing all aspects of transplantation. For more information, call Ochsner’s 24-hour Transplant Hotline at 1-800-643-1635.

Surviving Melanoma

2009-02-26T15:40:00.000-06:00

“Hello Health” Community Event at Ralph’s on the Park

Melanoma is now the fastest growing cancer in the United States. In 1940, your chance of getting melanoma was 1 in 1500. It is now predicted that by 2010, it will be 1 in 50. Yet, if melanoma is caught in the earliest stages, it is entirely treatable with a survival rate of nearly 100 percent.

To educate patients about melanoma, how to recognize it and its treatment options, Ochsner Health System is hosting a Hello Health seminar on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at 12:00pm at Ralph’s on the Park, located at 900 City Park Avenue in New Orleans. Dr. Adam Riker, Surgical Oncologist and Medical Director of Cancer Services at Ochsner Medical Center will be the guest speaker. The cost is $15 and lunch is included. Reservations are required.

To register, call 1-866-OCHSNER (1-866-624-7637) between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

Be an LSU Gymnast for a Day!

2009-02-16T08:31:00.001-06:00

Be an LSU Gymnast for a Day!
Ochsner/LSU Announce Contest for Area Girls

BATON ROUGE – Ochsner Health System and LSU are offering girls in southeast Louisiana the chance to be an LSU Gymnast for a Day by launching a contest which will culminate at the March 7th Etta James Memorial Meet for breast cancer awareness against NC State at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.

Girls aged five to 13 years can log on to www.ochsner.org and click on the “LSU Gymnast” icon to register to win.

All entries must be submitted by March 2nd at 5:00pm. Winners will be selected at random and announced on March 3rd. The first 1,000 girls who register online will receive an autographed LSU gymnastics team poster. Three winners, one from each age group will be selected, will receive an LSU warm up suit, an autographed gym bag and four tickets to the meet.

“The Etta James Memorial meet is a special event for us as we show our support for those impacted by breast cancer and seek to create community awareness of the illness,” says LSU Gymnastics Coach D-D Breaux. “We hope the fun and excitement associated with the contest will draw attention to the cause.”

The Etta James Memorial Meet is an annual event created through a partnership with the Bradie James’ Foundation 56/sole survivor fund, which helps organize similar events throughout the region in honor of James’ mother, who died of breast cancer in 2002. Bradie James is a former member of the LSU Football Team and currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys.

Breast cancer affects thousands of woman and their loved ones every year, with more than 180,000 new cases estimated last year alone. “Breast cancer is a highly curable condition and can be diagnosed through routine, non-invasive screenings such as mammograms,” says Dr. Jay Brooks, MD, Chairman of Hematology/Oncology at Ochsner in Baton Rouge. “The LSU Gymnast for a Day contest seeks to put a spotlight on the need for women of all ages to learn more about their risk factors and encourage them to get regular screenings.”

Wearable Defibrillator Prevents Post Heart Attack Death

2009-02-11T13:23:00.000-06:00

Wearable Defibrillator Prevents Post Heart Attack Death
Ochsner Cardiologists Offer Patients World’s First Wearable Defibrillator

NEW ORLEANS – February is National Heart Month and Ochsner Medical Center is offering local heart patients a cost- and life-saving alternative to traditional surgery. Called the ZOLL LifeVest, it’s the world’s first wearable defibrillator for the protection of those at risk for sudden cardiac death. With heart disease being Louisiana’s number one killer, all preventive and therapeutic resources should be used for best overall patient outcomes.

The LifeVest is the first “wearable defibrillator” and is worn outside the body under normal clothing rather than implanted in the chest. The non-invasive device weighs under two pounds, monitors the heart to detect abnormal rhythms, and delivers an electric shock, if needed, to restart the heart.

“Sudden cardiac death is a real risk for patients who have heart disease, have suffered a previous heart attack, or have a condition called NICM where the heart muscle becomes weak,” explains Dr. Freddy Abi-Samra, Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Ochsner. The most common treatment for at-risk patients is surgical implantation of an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD), ICDs are designed for use over a long period and require surgery at considerable expense. Due to a variety of medical reasons, some patients who may eventually qualify for ICD implantation, should not be immediately subjected to the implantation procedure. Such patients include those who have just suffered a heart attack, patients who have potentially reversible conditions (such as recent-onset non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy), patients with infections, etc…

“In contrast to ICDs, wearable defibrillators are for temporary use, may be rented on a monthly basis, and are only needed for 30 to 90 days,” says Abi-Samra. He cites the 2005 VALIANT study in the New England Journal of Medicine, which shows that heart attack patients are most vulnerable to sudden death in the first 30 days following a cardiac event, and after three months, the risk is greatly reduced. This data provides rationale for considering early interventional strategies, including short-term therapies, such as wearable defibrillators, in select patients.

Furthermore, for such patients, early post-heart attack, ICD implantation is not covered by most health insurance companies, including Medicare. The rationale for lack of insurance coverage includes the fact that the heart may recover following a previous heart attack as well as the fact that surgery so early post heart attack may negatively affect patients’ long-term survival. Currently, the only Medicare-covered device is the wearable defibrillator. “The LifeVest wearable defibrillator highlights the importance of helping patients in the short-term, preventing more dire medical outcomes, and saving the patient from financial stress,” says Abi-Samra. “The LifeVest is a great bridge to ICD implantation or reassessment of a patient’s condition.” Around the country, patients have readily accepted the device and the reassurance it offers.

“Not all cardiac patients are candidates for wearable defibrillators, only those at high-risk for sudden cardiac arrest are candidates for the LifeVest,” says Dr. Hector Ventura, Section Head of Heart Transplant and Cardiomyopathy.” The LifeVest is also being utilized by Ochsner Cardiologists Drs. Tim Donahue, Sammy Khatib, Daniel Morin, Onajefe Nelson-Twakor, Hamang Patel, and Hector Ventura at Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway.

Ochsner Points to Preventive Medical Care in Down Economy

2009-02-06T06:44:00.002-06:00

Avoiding Doctor Visits Can Raise Healthcare Costs in the Long-Term

In a down economy, it’s easy to think you’re saving money by bypassing routine screening tests like an annual physical, eye exam, mammogram or colonoscopy, however, Ochsner physicians warn that “pinching pennies” and putting off these simple, yet critical tests could end up costing you more in the long run.

One of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the U.S. is medical bills, but routine screenings can save individuals and the entire healthcare system through reduced ER visits, hospital admissions, and early death. Dr. Kirk Bonner, Internist at Ochsner Medical Center advises patients to think twice before cutting costs with their health, “Delaying critical screening tests could have the opposite effect on a person’s pocketbook by placing their health at risk for undetected problems.”

In Louisiana, the leading causes of death over 45 years of age are heart attack and stroke. “Through preventive measures, we work to control medical conditions so patients don’t end up in the ER with more medical bills,” explains Bonner. “Another trend with patients is a reluctance to miss work for a doctor’s appointment, but without complete follow-through on care, patients could face a setback meaning even more time away from the office,” warns Bonner.

For patients with chronic illness, more serious problems can arise from delaying preventive care. According to Dr. John Cole, Chairman of Hematology/Oncology at Ochsner Medical Center, it can mean the difference between curable and incurable, “In the end, the money you save will be much less important than the impact of a life-altering event like colon or breast cancer that spreads if it’s not caught early enough.” Dr. Cole supports his advice saying that, “Recent data show that through screening tests like colonoscopies and mammograms, we’ve single-handedly reduced the number of people who are getting and dying from, cancer.”

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Dr. Bonner offers the following to keep medical bills at a minimum:

• Commit to Regular Exercise: 45 minutes of exercise a day, always consult with your physician before starting a program.
• Stop Smoking
• Eat Healthy: Reduce fried foods, sugars, and saturated fats; increase fresh vegetables, fiber rich grains, and fish.
• Drink Alcohol in Moderation
• Schedule Annual Checkups: This includes adults and children
• Get an Annual Flu Shot: Pneumonia vaccine at 65 years, Tetanus/Diphtheria booster every 10 years
• Age-specific screenings:
Blood Pressure: All ages, at least every 2 years
Cholesterol: Age 20, at least every 5 years
Colonoscopy: Adults age 50 and older, Every 10 years
Mammogram: Every 1-2 years for women age 40 and older, Yearly for women age 50 and older Prostate Exam: Annually age 50 and older
GYN check-ups: No later than age 21; checkups at least every 1-3 years for sexually active women
Stool for Occult Blood (Bleeding related to colon or rectal cancer):
Annually beginning at age 50
Diabetes Test: Begin before age 45 if overweight, repeat every 3 years or as needed

Ochsner Receives Cox Charities Grant for Middle School Science Experiments

2009-02-04T16:16:00.002-06:00

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Medical Center iLab has received a $5000 grant from Cox Charities to host science education experiments with 10 local, middle schools. The Ochsner’s Bubble Gum Mystery Experiment will begin on Thursday, February 5, 2009, at 8:30 am at 1514 Jefferson Hwy, with 7th graders from Ursuline Academy.

“At the Ochsner iLab our goal is to complement and enhance students' classroom knowledge of science by giving them direct access to our scientific and medical expertise through practical, hands-on experience in our labs and expose them to the wide variety of career opportunities that exist in biomedical research and in healthcare,” said Dr. Jawed Alam, Ochsner Molecular Geneticist. The Ochsner iLab is a life-science learning laboratory, used by local high school science teachers and students to carry out cutting-edge biotechnology experiments.

Ursuline students will have the first opportunity to solve the Ochsner’s Bubble Gum Mystery Experiment in the iLab; then, through the school year, nine other local schools will participate in the mystery. “This experiment is designed to teach students how to solve a mystery through science-based experiments and data recovery,” explains Dr. Alam. The root of the experiment is to find out who left a piece of bubble gum on the teachers chair and ruined her dress.

“We’d like to thank Cox Charities, who’s funding gives us a great opportunity to implement a biotechnology program specifically for middle school students. Their donation allowed the purchase of teacher guides and student experiment booklets,” says Dr. Alam. Previously, the majority of Ochsner’s iLab education has been directed toward high school students. “But we feel that an even greater impact may be made if students were exposed to scientific activities at an earlier age,” said Dr. Alam.

If school officials would like to include their classrooms they may contact Allison Fischtziur, Senior Administrator and Project Coordinator of Ochsner Academic Community Outreach: (504) 842-5321, AFischtziur@Ochsner.org.

Community Seminar: The State of Emergency Care in New Orleans

2009-02-04T10:58:00.000-06:00

“Hello Health” Community Seminar at Ralph’s on the Park

NEW ORLEANS – With local ER’s still plagued by frequent over-crowding, find out about the state of ER care in the city. Ochsner Health System is hosting a Hello Health seminar to provide residents with tips to reduce wait times, when and where to seek emergency care, how the recent opening of a full-service Emergency Room at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center is impacting the community, and the future forecast for New Orleans’ ERs.

The seminar will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at 12:00pm at Ralph’s on the Park, 900 City Park Avenue in New Orleans. Dr. Joseph Guarisco, Ochsner Systems Chief of Emergency Services will be the guest speaker and the cost is $15 (lunch is included.) Reservations are required.

To register, call 1-866-OCHSNER (1-866-624-7637) between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

Helicopter Survivor Steven Yelton Update

2009-01-28T13:36:00.001-06:00

Wednesday, January 28, 2009
1:30 pm

According to his brother, Mr. Gene Yelton, “Steven is improving and attending physical therapy. He now has full range of motion in his legs, arms and neck and is responding with a head shake. Steven still faces several more surgeries as he heals and we know that it will be a long road to full recovery.”

An account with CHASE Bank has been established to help the Yelton Family with their substantial medical bills. Donations can be sent to the
Steven Yelton Welfare Trust
Account P.O. Box: 472
Floresville, Texas 78114

Ochsner Celebrates National Nurse Anesthetists Week

2009-01-26T14:12:00.000-06:00

The “Quiet” Medical Profession

NEW ORLEANS – If you’ve ever undergone surgery, then a nurse anesthetist is probably one of the last people you remember seeing in the operating room. This “quiet” medical specialty, which is often known only to the medical profession, plays an essential role in surgical procedures by assisting, and in some cases, delivering anesthesia. Throughout the week of January 25-31, Ochsner will honor its Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) during National Nurse Anesthetists Week with a display in the Atrium Tower at 1514 Jefferson Hwy to answer any questions.

“Ochsner has 51 CRNAs who help make over 80 surgeries a day possible; their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to patient care is appreciated by patients and staff,” said Nancy Davis, RN, Chief Nursing Officer of Ochsner Health System. “These highly trained registered nurses work throughout the Ochsner system including the Hines Surgery Center, Covington Outpatient Surgery Center, and the Sports Medicine Outpatient Surgery Center, just to name a few.”

In the U.S., anesthesiology or anesthesia care is provided by two specialty groups, nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists (physicians). Nurse anesthetists have been providing anesthesia care to patients for more than 125 years, touching the lives of countless patients. CRNAs participate in 80 percent of anesthesia worldwide, and are the sole providers in 60 percent of anesthesia worldwide.

Nurse anesthetists are certified professional nurses (RNs) with a master’s degree, who undergo extensive training, become nationally certified by exam after graduation, and then provide services similar to an anesthesiologist. This profession requires a minimum of seven years of education and experience in addition to CRNA certification. CRNAs can be licensed and practice in all fifty states.

Ochsner Honors Medical Pioneer at John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute Dedication

2009-01-22T08:07:00.001-06:00

Ochsner Honors Medical Pioneer at John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute Dedication

World-Renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. John Ochsner Honored at Private Unveiling

NEW ORLEANS – On Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 6:00pm, Ochsner will honor world-renowned cardiothoracic heart surgeon and medical pioneer Dr. John Ochsner as it celebrates the dedication of the “John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute.” Dr. John Ochsner is the Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Surgery at Ochsner Medical Center.

During a private, invitation-only ceremony at 1514 Jefferson Highway, Brent House Conference Center, Dr. Ochsner will be honored by unveiling a bust in his image to be displayed in the Institute and honored by an esteemed group of colleagues and friends including:

· Dr. Denton Cooley, M.D., Mentor and pioneering American heart surgeon to implant an artificial heart.
· Dr. John R. Busby, M.D., former student and Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
· Dr. Michael McFadden, M.D., former student, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, and Professor of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Surgical Director of Lung Transplantation at the University of Southern California
· Dr. Meredith Scott, M.D., former student and Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Orlando, Florida.
· Dr. Frank Riddick, M.D., colleague, former Ochsner Medical Foundation CEO Emeritus, and recipient of the 2005 Ochsner Lifetime Achievement Award.
· Warner Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ochsner Health System
· King Milling, Former President of Whitney National Bank
· Marc Mellon, one of America's foremost representational sculptors, known for his portrait busts and commemorative statues. His works have been displayed worldwide.
· Louie Roussel, friend and donor of the Bust

About Dr. John Ochsner, M.D.
Dr. John Ochsner Hpioneered cardiac surgery in Louisiana and the surrounding area performing many “medical firsts” in our region; the first installation of a pacemaker, valve replacement, coronary artery bypass, various congenital heart operations, and transplantation of the liver, lung and heart. He has received numerous local, national and international awards and published nearly 300 publications, scientific articles, and book chapters.

Dr. John Ochsner has been President of 10 different surgical societies and is the only person in history to be President of the American Association of Thoracic Surgery, President of the International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, and Chairman of the Board of Thoracic Surgery.

eDr. Ochsner received his Medical Degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Michigan and Baylor College of Medicine. He was chief resident at Jefferson Davis Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital and served in the Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine before returning to New Orleans. In 1961, he joined the Ochsner Clinic, and in 1966 began serving as Chairman of the Department of Surgery for 22 years.
- more -

Much of Dr. Ochsner’s time has been devoted to public service, having served on three school boards, many charity organizations and President of the World Trade Center. Additional honors include:
· Golden Plate Award
· LIFE Magazine Award (One of 100 outstanding men in the USA, 1961)
· Order of the Plimsoll Mark
· Tulane’s Outstanding Alumnus
· Recipient of the Cooley International Recognition Award (1998)
· Recipient of the DeBakey Surgical Award (2000)
· Recipient of Thomas C. Cunningham Award (2005)
· Outstanding service toward relationship of the U.S. and Latin America
· Lifetime Achievement Award, Ochsner Clinic
· Rex, King of Carnival (1990)

Dr. Ochsner served as Visiting Professor to over 50 institutions and received honorary membership to seven foreign surgical societies, including the only honorary member of the Czechoslovakian Surgical Society. He is the son of Dr. Alton Ochsner, one of the five founders of Ochsner Health System, who in 1941 established the first multi-specialty group practice in the South.

For more information, visit http://www.ochsner.org/about/.

Ochsner Baptist Brings Back Internal Medicine Care

2009-01-19T08:10:00.001-06:00

Ochsner Baptist Brings Back Internal Medicine Care
Uptown Campus Continues Growing Services; Three Local Physicians Return

NEW ORLEANS – On January 19, 2009, along with its recently opened full-service ER, Ochsner Baptist is now bringing Internal Medicine services back to the uptown campus and three physicians have returned to their pre-Katrina service area. Drs. Karen Blessey, Robert Miles and Margaret Pelitere will now see patients at their new clinic in the McFarland Building, 4429 Clara Street, Suite 500.

Welcome to the neighborhood! The newly opened Ochsner Internal Medicine Clinic offers patients preventive healthcare as well as comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and management of various diseases and disorders, all in uptown’s backyard. For more information or to make an appointment with the Ochsner Internal Medicine Clinic, please call 504-897-4250 or visit www.ochsner.org. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

“We’re excited to continue expanding medical services for the community,” says Robert Wolterman, Chief Executive Officer at Ochsner Baptist. Wolterman adds, “Current campus services include six operating rooms, two cardiac catheterization suites and endoscopy suites, an Outpatient Imaging Center, a Laser Vision Center, and over 300 community physicians.” Also, on Monday, January 12, Ochsner opened a full-service community Emergency Room, expanded 12-bed ICU and an all-private room 43-bed Clara Hospital Wing.

To date, Ochsner has invested over $30 million to revitalize the Ochsner Baptist campus. “This facility has deep roots in the New Orleans community and we’re committed to making it a thriving resource for the city’s future,” says Wolterman.

Clinical services now available at the Ochsner Baptist campus include:
Allergy Clinic: 4429 Clara Street, Suite 440
Urology Clinic: 6th floor of the Women’s Pavilion
Ob/GYN Clinic: Suite 400 of the Women’s Pavilion
Laser Vision Center: 2820 Napoleon Avenue, Suite 270
Pain Management Program: 4429 Clara St, Suite 540
Ophthalmology Clinic: 2820 Napoleon Ave, Suite 370

Ochsner Baptist ER "Road Show"

2009-01-06T13:18:00.002-06:00

Ochsner Baptist Medical Center is getting the word out about their new ER, opening Monday, January 12, 2009, by taking their message on the road, literally. The big "ER" has already made its way through the city, in this photo it was spotted in Lee Ciricle. And, it will continue show up across the city over the next few weeks.

You can also expect to see the moving ER message at several upcoming New Orleans Hornets games, including Monday's game at 7pm. To learn more about the new ER at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center, visit www.ochsner.org.

Tuesday Update of Helicopter Survivor

2009-01-06T10:46:00.003-06:00

Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Helicopter Survivor Update
10:47 am CST

Gene Yelton, brother of the sole survivor of the recent helicopter crash in Terrebone has released the following statement:

"My brother is still in critical condition, but he's stable and responding somewhat to touch. We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and we ask that you continue to remember us."

Helicopter Survivor Update

2009-01-05T13:48:00.002-06:00

The family of the sole survivor from the recent helicopter crash acknowledges that he is a patient at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. However, the patient and his family do not wish to grant any interviews at this time and we ask that you respect their wishes. Please continue to check this site for additional information.

Advice For New Year's Revelers Who Plan to Imbibe

2008-12-31T11:06:00.001-06:00

Ochsner Emphasizes Driving/Medication Safety and Hangover Tips

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The holidays are a time for celebration, but Ochsner Health System has some serious advice for revelers who plan to indulge in spirits this New Year’s Eve.

First and foremost, Ochsner Emergency physicians emphasize don’t drink and drive; plan in advance for an alternative way home, such as calling a friend or a cab. “During the holidays people tend to drink more than usual, so they’re at increased risk for accidents,” says Dr. Frances Smith, Emergency Physician at Ochsner Medical Center. Dr. Smith also warns revelers to “be careful if you’re taking medications and drinking alcohol since some medications can accelerate the effects of alcohol.”

Secondly, if you plan to enjoy a drink or two, there are some pre- and post-party remedies that can ease an aching head and queasy stomach. Elesha Kelleher, RD, Elmwood Fitness Center, offers these tips:

· Before heading out, have a small meal of protein and carbohydrates. This combination will slow the absorption of alcohol. A glass of milk will also coat the stomach and buffer the absorption of liquor.

· Consume non-alcoholic fluids before, during and after. This will help ease the inevitable headache caused by dehydration and is especially important before going to bed.

· Stick with mixers of water or fruit juice. Carbonated beverages cause alcohol to be absorbed quickly.

· Try not to consume more than one drink per hour to allow your liver to process the alcohol.

· Resist the urge to take a painkiller. Ibuprofen and aspirin can irritate the stomach and acetaminophen can be dangerous to your overworked liver.

· Do not consume greasy foods. Instead opt for some protein and carbohydrates, preferably bland choices like soup and crackers, scrambled eggs and toast, or oatmeal with sliced bananas.

· Drink water, fruit juice or sports drinks. Fruit juice contains fructose which aids in metabolizing excess alcohol and sports drinks hydrate. Avoid caffeinated beverages which cause dehydration.

· Pop a multivitamin. Alcohol depletes vitamins A, C and especially B6.

Bottom line: If you imbibe, stick to light-colored alcohols mixed with water or fruit juices, preferably no more than one drink per hour on a full stomach. Just remember to drink responsibly and get back on track with healthy eating and exercise habits. For more information, visit www.ochsner.org

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New Year's Day Healthy Recipes for Entertaining

2008-12-29T09:20:00.000-06:00

Marc Gilberti’s New Year’s Day Healthy Recipes
Executive Chef, Elmwood Fitness Center

Smothered Cabbage with Smoked Turkey Sausage

1 medium head of cabbage (chopped and washed into 1 inch pieces)
4 cloves chopped Garlic
1 Yellow onion (medium, diced)
1 pound turkey smoked sausage (cut into half inch pieces)
½ cup chicken stock or broth
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste (cayenne pepper would add a kick)

Instructions:
In medium braiser, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until lightly browned. Add turkey sausage and cabbage and braise on medium heat stirring frequently. Add chicken stock, salt/pepper to taste. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until cabbage is fork-tender. Serves 6-8 people.

Black Eyed Peas and Brown Rice
1 lb. black eyed peas (washed and drained)
2 (16 oz) cans of low sodium chicken stock or broth
2 Quarts of water
1 large diced yellow onion
1 large diced green bell pepper
2 diced celery stalks
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. granulated garlic
1 Tbsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. dried basil
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
3 Tbsp. chopped parsley
Salt/Pepper to taste

Instructions:
In large stock pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions, bell peppers and celery until tender. Add thyme, basil and oregano and stir for 1 minute. Add chicken stock, water, black eyed peas, garlic and salt/pepper to taste. Bring to a boil; add parsley and then reduce heat to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with prepared brown rice. Serves 6-8.

Braised Cornish Hen with Tomato Saffron Broth
2 Each Cornish Hens (quartered and washed then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste)
1 diced medium onion
1 diced medium bell pepper
4 chopped cloves of garlic
3 Tbsp. Olive oil
4 Quartered roma tomatoes
½ cup chicken stock or broth
1 tsp. saffron threads
2 tsp. oregano
Salt/Pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a large braiser, heat olive oil and lightly brown seasoned Cornish hens. Remove from braiser and set aside. Add onions, garlic, bell peppers and saffron threads and sauté until tender. Add chicken stock or broth, roma tomatoes, oregano, salt/pepper to taste and bring to a boil. Add browned Cornish hens back into braiser and place in a 350F degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until hens are fully cooked. Serves 4-6.

Ochsner Expert Serves Up Recipe for Healthy Holidays

2008-12-22T15:42:00.002-06:00

OCHSNER EXPERT SERVES UP RECIPE FOR HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING

The holiday season may bring visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads, but trouble can ensue when pies, cakes, cookies and other fatty holiday treats start dancing on our plates.

With careful planning and smart choices, you can have your fill of holiday cheer without filling your plate with calorie-rich foods, said Melissa Guillot, RD, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Ochsner Diabetes Institute.

"You can enjoy your favorite traditional holiday foods in moderation without dragging extra pounds into the New Year," Guillot said. "Make smart choices at parties and in buffet lines, and on days you're not celebrating make sure you're eating healthy, well-balanced meals."

Fitting in exercise, drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet will not only be good for your waist line, but can also ensure you have enough energy for the season's many celebrations, Guillot said.

She offers these suggestions for sensible eating during the holidays:

§ Vow to maintain, not gain. If you're on a long-term weight loss plan,
make every effort to maintain your weight. Maintaining weight despite the
season's many temptations should be considered a reasonable goal.

§ When going to a holiday potluck, bring along a healthy dish or treat you
enjoy. Find ways to lighten up traditional recipes, or bring along a
vegetable or fruit tray. Presentation and creativity count!

§ Never go to a party hungry. Eat a small healthy meal or snack to ward off
cravings, which can help make temptation easier to resist.

§ Drink water. Avoiding high-calorie beverages will make those holiday
splurges easier on your waist-line.

§ When dining buffet-style, choose a smaller plate and pile it high with
fruits, vegetables and green salads. Load up on lean roasted meats, and
choose small portions of your holiday favorites

§ Dodge the pre-dinner cocktail. Alcohol makes you hungrier, and lower
inhibitions can lead to poor food choices. Opt instead for a drink with your
meal. When ordering cocktails, reach for those made with a low- or
no-calorie mixer.

§ Don't be too busy for breakfast. Starting the day with a healthy meal
will help control cravings later.

§ Be picky about dessert. Indulge only in your very favorites, and when
presented with several dessert options, choose just one. Check in with
yourself when eating. Do you want the whole portion of a rich treat, or do
you feel satisfied after a few bites?

§ Make time for exercise - be active when you can. Even short bits of
exercise can add up.

§ Focus on friends and family, not the food. Make the company of loved ones
the center of your gathering - not the tasty treats.

Ochsner Internal Medicine Residents and Staff Spread Holiday Cheer

2008-12-18T09:17:00.000-06:00

Ochsner Internal Medicine Residents and Staff Spread
Holiday Cheer to Members of Sixth Baptist Church

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Ochsner Medical Center Internal Medicine Department physicians, interns, residents and nurses, have come together for the holiday season to raise just over $800 to purchase essential items of need for families served by the Sixth Baptist Church to spread holiday cheer and goodwill.

The Sixth Baptist Church, located at 928 Felicity Street, has selected needy families in the Irish Channel who’ve submitted “wish lists” for this holiday season, including clothing, socks, coats, underwear, shoes, and school supplies. The gifts were purchased this week and will be wrapped by the Internal Medicine Department staff on December 18th. The Sixth Baptist Church is led by the Reverend Torin Sanders.

“We were so thankful that Ochsner’s Internal Medicine Department staff not only reached out to us to help the families of our neighborhood who are in need this holiday season, but also by their generosity,” said Rev. Sanders of Sixth Baptist Church.

Church members went shopping for the gifts. The gifts will be delivered to approximately 12 families on Friday, December 19.

“Our medical residents were so eager to help during the holiday season and it was the perfect opportunity to be able to work with the families of Sixth Baptist Church,” says Dr. William Davis, Program Director for Internal Medicine Residency Program at Ochsner Medical Center.

Avoiding Holiday Heart Attacks!

2008-12-15T16:36:00.000-06:00

Avoiding Holiday Heart Attacks!
Ochsner Cardilogist Offers Tips to Overcome Holiday Stress

§ More people have heart attacks in December and January than at any other time of the year, with contributing factors that include: excessive stress, alcohol, and eating.

§ Although the holidays and New Year's are traditionally happy times, they are often accompanied by high levels of stress

§ Many people have symptoms of depression around holidays, and depression increases the risk of heart attacks. And while moderate alcohol intake appears to protect the heart, repeated overindulgence poses a direct and immediate threat to the heart.

§ All those high-fat and salty foods not only raise the long-term dangers of obesity and higher blood pressures but can also increase the immediate likelihood of a heart attack.

§ One of the biggest risks of all: With all the eating to excess around holiday time, it's sometimes tempting to attribute an episode of chest discomfort to indigestion. But delaying a trip to the hospital can be fatal.

§ If you experience any heart-attack symptoms — i.e., chest pain, difficulty breathing, anxiety, perfuse sweating, and nausea — don't hesitate to interrupt your holiday festivities with a trip to the hospital.

§ Remember, too, that women often have little or no chest pain with a heart attack. Instead, they tend to experience unusual fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and shortness of breath that may precede the heart attack by as long as a month.

Dr. Chip Lavie’s heart-healthy tips for the holidays:

§ Eat and drink moderately
§ Don't let minor things, like unsent holiday cards and menu planning, stress you out
§ Continue your workout regimen during the holidays
§ If you find yourself depressed, tell somebody and get help
§ Don't ignore symptoms that may indicate a heart attack
§ Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease and depression/psychological stress!

Blood and Organ Donations: Always A Need During the Holidays

2008-12-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

Free Holiday Gifts That Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
Blood and Organ Donations: Always a Dire Need During the Holidays

NEW ORLEANS – The holidays are a time of celebration, remembrance, and joy, but for some it’s also a time of need. Unfortunately, as the hustle and bustle of the season ensues, many regular blood donors bypass their monthly donation which leads to an annual blood shortage. Combined with an increase in accidents, the need for blood can be dire this time of year.

“Typically we run about 10% to 20% below normal during the holidays and usage can go up as much as 10% this time of the year,” says Ken Detiveaux, Director of the Ochsner Blood Bank.

As Americans tighten their pocketbooks, Ochsner asks that “Local residents consider donating blood in honor of a friend or loved one, past or present, this holiday season. It’s a free gift that costs only your time, about an hour, but one that can make a huge difference.” Detiveaux points out that just one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

To donate, you must be 17 or older, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Of particular note, individuals taking medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol, and individuals with controlled diabetes ARE eligible to donate. Ochsner has the following blood donation locations:

Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner: 200 West Esplanade Ave, Kenner

Ochsner Medical Center – Westbank: 2500 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna

Ochsner Medical Center: 1516 Jefferson Highway, N.O.

Ochsner North Shore: 1000 Ochsner Blvd, Covington
Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital: 4608 Highway 1, Raceland

Lady of the Sea Blood Donor Center: 200 West 134th St, Cut Off

Daily Mobile Blood Drives: Call (504) 842-3375

Another way to celebrate life is to sign up to become an organ donor and give the Gift of Life when the time arrives. The most important step an individual needs to take in order to become an organ donor is to make their wishes known, of which there are several methods:
- Register to Donate Life at www.lopa.org
- Call 1-800-521-GIVE (4483)
- Driver’s license – Louisiana DMV
- If under 18, make your wishes known to parent or guardian

In 2008, Ochsner celebrated a milestone 1,000th liver transplant. “Saving lives is Ochsner’s mission and we’re joining with LOPA to ask Louisiana residents to make an informed and personal decision to donate life and enable medical professionals to continue saving lives,” says Dr. Patrick Quinlan, Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Health System. “With the public’s help, we hope to celebrate even more lives and milestones in the coming years.”

'Tis the Season for Stress

2008-12-08T10:58:00.002-06:00

Ochsner Psychiatrist Offers Tips to Overcome Holiday Stress

Do you have control over stress, or does it control you? With the holidays upon us, many New Orleanians may be feeling overwhelmed. Ochsner Medical Center Chairman of Psychiatry Dr. Alvin Rouchell, MD, offers advice to cope with the hustle and bustle this season.

"Stress and feelings of being overwhelmed are your body's warning signs and should be taken seriously,” explains Dr. Rouchell. “Sit down with a family member or a friend and have a heart-to-heart discussion about what's going on in your life. Consider everything from long work hours and deadlines to the stress of relationships with family and friends, holiday shopping and holiday parties.”

Rouchell then suggests you work together with your family and friends to create a plan to deal with the pressure and try to restore well-being. Some examples include:
- Only accept party invitations with people you want to spend time with. Don’t feel pressured to say “Yes” to everyone.
- Reduce long hours at work, set boundaries with relatives, friends and coworkers, and/or delegate projects.
- Refocus your mind and body: get a massage, visit a friend, and take a multivitamin daily.

“Consider seeking professional help if your stress becomes all consuming and you begin feeling persistent anxiety or depression,” says Rouchell. A professional can evaluate your lifestyle and recommend treatments and stress-reduction techniques that can help with coping, enhance your immune system and protect you from future problems.

If you tend to feel down during the shorter days of winter, you’re not alone. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that affects many people every year, usually in the fall and winter. Light therapy is the primary treatment for SAD in addition to medication and counseling. A simple home remedy is to get more exposure to sunlight, go outside for lunch, or, if possible, adjust your work hours so you get home earlier.

For more information, contact the Ochsner Psychiatry Department at 504-842-4025.

Ochsner Hosts Annual Transplant Party Today!

2008-12-04T08:17:00.001-06:00

Ochsner Hosts Annual Transplant Patient Holiday Support Group Party

NEW ORLEANS – The Multi-Organ Transplant Institute at Ochsner Medical Center will host its Annual Transplant Patient Holiday Support Group Party on Thursday, December 4, 2008. It will be held from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the Brent House Hotel Conference Center located on the second floor. All transplant recipients, living donors and their family members are invited to attend.

Since its inception in 1984, the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute has performed more than 2,700 life-saving liver, kidney and pancreas, heart, and lung transplants making it the Gulf South’s leading transplant center.

Bah Humbug! Controlling Holiday Cholesterol

2008-12-03T12:39:00.000-06:00

Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute Reveals Tips to Prevent a Holiday Health Crisis

NEW ORLEANS – If you are one of 100 million Americans who have high cholesterol, the holidays can be a difficult time to keep your health in check. Parties and family get-togethers usually mean a ton of fat-laden treats and little time for exercise, but you can keep your cholesterol in check during the holiday season.

“Normally, your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs, but you also get cholesterol from your diet; poultry, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole milk,” said Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute Registered Dietician, Debbie Strong. “When your body has too much cholesterol, fat deposits line the walls of your blood vessels, causing them to thicken and become narrower – a condition called atherosclerosis. These narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke,” warns Strong.

Dietary guidelines maybe the hardest to follow during the holidays; however, the American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 250 to 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol a day. But, Strong explains that for those with heart disease, dietary cholesterol should be limited to no more than 200mg daily. Strong also suggests that good dietary and exercise habits throughout the holiday season can help keep your cholesterol consistently at a healthy level. The easiest way to control the amount of fat and cholesterol you consume is to:

- Check food labels for fat and cholesterol content
- Limit butter and margarine
- Use sunflower, safflower, soybean, canola, or olive oil rather than tropical oils such as palm or coconut
- Use salad dressings and margarine made with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats
- Use egg whites or egg substitutes rather than whole eggs
- Replace whole-milk dairy products with nonfat or low-fat milk, cheese, spreads, and yogurt
- Eat skinless chicken, turkey, fish, and meatless entrees more often than red meat
- Choose lean cuts of meat and trim off all visible fat. Keep portion sizes moderate
- Avoid fatty desserts such as ice cream, cream-filled cakes, and cheesecakes
- Reduce fried foods, vending machine food, and fast food
- Limit nuts; nuts especially high in saturated fat are cashews, pistachios, brazil and macadamia
- Eat fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains daily. Their fiber helps lower cholesterol

Exercise goes hand-in-hand with a healthy diet for controlling cholesterol. Because regular exercise helps keep your weight down it also decreases your total cholesterol level: decreasing your LDL (bad cholesterol), and increasing your HDL (good cholesterol). A good exercise program, to maintain a healthy cholesterol level, includes plenty of aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise is any activity that keeps your heart rate up (such as swimming, jogging, walking, and bicycling). You should get 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week. If you haven't been exercising, ask your health care provider for a routine and start slowly.

If you smoke, quit! According to Strong, smoking lowers HDL “good cholesterol” levels, therefore increasing your risk of heart disease. And finally, if high cholesterol runs in your family, discuss possible precautions with your health care provider.

Total cholesterol levels are measured with a single number in mg/dL. These are the recommended levels:
· 200 or below is good
200 to 239 is borderline high
240 or above is high

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, at 1-888-317-3717.

Ochsner Physician Honored by American College of Physicians

2008-12-01T09:56:00.001-06:00

Ochsner Physician Honored by American College of Physicians

Dr. Sandra Kemmerly Selected Among Nation’s Most Outstanding Internists for ACP Mastership

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Health System has announced today that Dr. Sandra Abadie Kemmerly, MD, FACP, Medical Director, Clinical Practice Improvement at Ochsner, has been selected as one of the nation’s most outstanding Internists by the American College of Physicians and will receive an official Mastership on Thursday, April 23, 2009, at a Convocation Ceremony during the ACP’s Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA.

“We are delighted to recognize Dr. Kemmerly on this significant honor from the American College of Physicians as there are very few elected to this highly-esteemed position,” says Dr. Joseph Dalovisio, Chairman of Infectious Diseases at Ochsner Medical Center. “Mastership status recognizes Kemmerly’s outstanding contributions to several aspects of medicine, the ACP and the community-at-large.”

The American College of Physicians (ACP) is a national organization of internists — physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses in adults. ACP is the largest medical-specialty organization and second-largest physician group in the U.S. Its membership of 126,000 includes internists, internal medicine subspecialists, and medical students, residents, and fellows.

ACP Masters comprise a small group of highly distinguished physicians, selected from among Fellows, who have achieved recognition in medicine by exhibiting preeminence in practice or medical research, holding positions of high honor, or making significant contributions to medical science or the art of medicine. They are recommended by the Awards Committee for election to Mastership by the Board of Regents. Masters are authorized to use the letters MACP (Master of the American College of Physicians) in connection with their professional activities for as long as their membership remains current.

Dr. Kemmerly earned her medical degree from LSU and completed her internship, residency and infectious diseases fellowship at Ochsner Medical Center. She is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases and has been on staff at Ochsner since 1988. Dr. Kemmerly is a fellow and member of the Board of Directors of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and served as Governor of the Louisiana Chapter from April 2003 – 2008 of the American College of Physicians.

For more information, please visit http://www.acponline.org/about_acp/awards_masterships/awards0809.htm?hp

Ochsner Orthopedist Provides Free Foot Care to Homeless Today

2008-11-24T07:59:00.000-06:00

Ochsner Orthopedist Provides Free Foot Care to Homeless for Holidays
Joins Soles4Souls and Our Hearts to Your Soles charities to provide medical care and shoes

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Monday, November 24, at 6:30pm, in the local men’s homeless shelter Ozanam Inn, 843 Camp Street, New Orleans, Ochsner will join efforts to distribute new shoes to homeless residents and offer free foot screenings. Ochsner Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Rob Treuting joins national charity Our Hearts to Your Soles and international charity Soles4Souls™ to provide new boots, socks and medical screenings to New Orleans’ homeless. This is the third year of this national event which will be held in 35 states across the country and impact over 3,500 people.

“I am honored to be a part of this event to get local folks back on track to good health” says Dr. Treuting. “Foot and ankle problems can lead to disabling pain and the homeless in the New Orleans are at significantly greater risk because they don’t have medical resources and winter weather increases the number of injuries from slips and falls.”

As part of a combined effort, Dr. Treuting will provide free screenings alongside Our Hearts to Your Soles, organized by Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Conti, and international charity Soles4Souls, which distributes new and gently worn shoes to people in need around the world. Soles4Souls, originally formed to assist with shoe donations to hurricane Katrina victims, is dedicated to improving the health of homeless individuals through the soles of their feet. “Together, these organizations have screened, fitted and provided footwear to over 3,000 homeless men,” explains Treuting.

“The health, comfort and well-being of those less fortunate in this country has been and will continue to be a priority for us,” says Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “A pair of durable boots can fill a person with hope and confidence. It’s a major step toward employment and building self-esteem.”

“The problems facing homeless men are daunting and our hope is that by providing medical care, new socks and shoes, we will help get these men one step closer to rejoining mainstream life,” says Laura Conti, Our Hearts to Your Soles CEO.

Soles4Souls www.giveshoes.org is a Nashville-based non-profit that facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Since its inception, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 3.5 million pairs (or one pair every 23 seconds) to people in 61 countries. The charity has been featured on CNN Headline News, NBC News, ABC News, and hundreds of regional outlets around North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) company.

Ochsner Named To List of 100 Top U.S. Cardiac Hospitals

2008-11-18T10:22:00.000-06:00

Ochsner Named To List of 100 Top Cardiac Hospitals in U.S.
Ochsner Recognized Alongside Mayo and Cleveland Clinics for Cardiac Care Excellence

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner has announced it has been selected by Thomson Reuters as one of the country’s 100 Top Hospitals for Quality Cardiovascular Care, published in Modern Healthcare magazine’s November 17th issue. This annual listing reveals which hospitals provide the best cardiac care in the country based on risk-adjusted mortality rates, surgical mortality rates and complication rates. Ochsner is also recognized as a “benchmark” hospital based on its investment in cardiovascular programs and services.

Ochsner Medical Center was ranked as one of 30 Teaching Hospitals with Cardiovascular Residency Programs. “As a recognized teaching institution, we’re honored to be part of this highly distinguished national ranking for quality cardiovascular care,” says Dr. Christopher White, MD, Chairman of Cardiology at Ochsner. “At Ochsner, our goal is to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes, our referring doctors excellent service, and to continue to launch cutting-edge initiatives to raise the bar for excellence in cardiovascular care.” The Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute (OHVI) is a comprehensive cardiac and peripheral vascular care center that through ongoing research initiatives, physician training programs and clinical trials, continues to set the standard for diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

Thomson Reuters’ analysis of over 1,000 U.S. hospitals identified the top 100 that performed significantly better in mortality and complications. Ranking data included outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafts, coronary interventions such as angioplasties, Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review and information from the Hospital Compare quality-reporting website.

“This recognition is an indication of what a clinic-based team approach can achieve in improving the quality of care that our patients receive. With multiple specialists under one roof, we’re able to provide patients with the kind of care that is expected at the best hospitals in the country, says Dr. Gene Parrino, MD, Section Head of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Ochsner.

An additional study this year showed that the 100 Top cardiovascular hospitals list spent an average of $25 million over a three-year period on capital expenditures for their cardiovascular programs, compared with $14 million in the peer hospitals. Furthermore, the benchmark hospitals were found to be more likely to use a service-line model to track performance in their cardiovascular programs. Because cardiac services are a high-volume, high-cost area for most hospitals, they’re often the first to be organized and analyzed separately from other hospital services.

Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute now includes an Electrophysiology Section with specialists who perform ablation procedures on patients who suffer from Atrial Fibrillation, as well as a new refractory angina and heart failure clinic for patients with no options who seek experimental therapies including gene therapy, device therapies, or other investigational approaches for problems not treatable with conventional methods.

The listing is available at: http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20081117/REG/811069997
For more on OHVI, visit: http://www.ochsner.org/services/heart_vascular/

Rock & Ride Fundraising Event Tomorrow at Elmwood Fitness Center

2008-11-14T10:40:00.001-06:00

Elmwood Fitness Center “Spins” to Fight Pediatric Obesity
“I Can Do It” Fundraiser Helps Combat Growing Epidemic

WHAT: Elmwood Fitness Center, a service of Ochsner, will host its 4th Annual Youth Fitness Rock & Ride Event, a fun-filled family event to benefit the “I Can Do It” Program. Each participant can attend a 45- minute spin class outdoors with live music by 5 Finger Discount, and enjoy food and drinks before and after the class. This event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Spin classes will be taught by Elmwood instructors while the band plays live music for all ages to enjoy.

WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2008
Classes will be held at 9:00am, 10:00am, and 11:00am

WHERE: Elmwood Fitness Center
Outdoor Basketball Court
1200 S. Clearview Parkway, Suite 1200
Harahan, LA 70123

WHAT: The entry fee is $35 per class, and includes a t-shirt and goodie bag. Proceeds fromRock & Ride will help the “I Can Do It” program award scholarships to families in financial need who demonstrate an interest in fighting childhood obesity. Elmwood’s “I Can Do It” Program is a weight-loss program designed to help children and families lead a healthy lifestyle.

Event sponsors include: Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Rozas-Ward Architects, Heim Consulting, Smoothie King, Crown-Classic Coach, Ochsner Medical Center for Children, Jefferson Printing Co., Charles Theriot CPA, and GIBBS Construction.

Ochsner-Kenner Unveils Renovated ER This Saturday!

2008-11-10T09:11:00.001-06:00

Ochsner- Kenner Unveils Renovated Emergency Room
Renovated ER Offers Improved Emergency Care

KENNER, LA- This Saturday, November 15, from 1pm - 3pm, residents of Kenner and the surrounding communities are invited to Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner, 180 West Esplanade Ave., for the unveiling of its newly-renovated Emergency Room (ER). A ribbon cutting will be held at 1:30pm with Mayor Edmond Muniz, Kenner Police Chief Steve Caraway, Fire Chief John Hellmers, Kenner Councilman Ben Zahn, and Jefferson Parish Councilmen Elton Lagasse and Chris Roberts. This is a free community event and is OPEN to the public.

“We’re excited to unveil our latest additions here at OMC – Kenner with the renovations to our entire Emergency Department,” said Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner Chief Executive Officer Paolo Zambito. “The combination of renovations and upgrades in the ER ensures our ability to deliver high quality emergency care to the entire family.”

OMC-K’s ER received a complete face-lift to its waiting room, treatment rooms, and physician offices. With 14 treatment rooms and the upgrades to the physical layout of the ER, patients can now expect a decrease in the average wait time from arrival to physician evaluation from 55 minutes to 35 minutes. The new layout and service upgrades also enhance the department’s ability to deliver faster care to every patient. This is demonstrated by a decrease in patients who leave the ER without service from seven percent to 1.5 percent.

“All patients receive a rapid assessment upon arrival, and depending on the severity of their initial assessment, the triage nurse will route them to an acute care bed where they are immediately evaluated by a physician or taken to the designated “Q-track” area,” says Jim House, RN, Director of Emergency Services at OMC-Kenner. The “Q-track” was developed to see more patients in less time and is designed for patients who aren’t critical. “Additionally, there is a new test results area for patients seen in the “Q-track” who require further testing. This upgrade allows for the triage nurse to place new patients in evaluation, while others wait for results,” House explains. The physician and nursing staff of OMC-K are trained to care for all patient cases, from infants to the elderly.

The City of Kenner Fire and Police Departments will participate in the festivities on Saturday, with hands-on activities for all ages, including: a "smokehouse" to demonstrate how to escape a fire, a fire engine, the Kenner Police Department Command Center, a Rescue Truck and a Canine Officer. Acadian Ambulance Service will have an ambulance and a helicopter on site for families to explore. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, cookies, giveaways, music and more will be provided by the OMC-K staff. Children and teens can enjoy pumpkin picking and decorating. Entertainment will be provided by Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner’s "OK Band."

Sun Starved! Fighting the “Winter Blues”

2008-11-03T15:55:00.002-06:00

Sun Starved! Fighting the “Winter Blues”

With daylight savings time in full swing, the days are shorter, and the lack of sunlight has many people down with the “Winter Blues;” fighting feelings of sadness or depression. It’s estimated that 25 million Americans experience the blues causing everything from irritability to bingeing. However, a more serious form of the Winter Blues is called “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (SAD) and it is identified by severe mood swings.

SAD can be a result of many wintertime circumstances; being cooped up, bored, and restless, or from a physiologic problem like a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and hunger. When serotonin levels are low, the body craves sweets, which raises serotonin levels temporarily, making you feel better. But this “high” is only temporary, and when your body crashes it sets up a hunger-and-mood roller coaster that can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Tips to avoid the serotonin roller coaster, consider the following:
Eat more whole grain breads and crackers, and starchy vegetables like corn or potatoes
Afternoon snack: Carb + protein = a slice of 100% whole wheat toast and 1 tbsp. of peanut butter
Vitamin-B foods: Chicken, legumes, fish, bananas, avocados, dark green leafy vegetables
Protein to feel fuller longer: add a slice of turkey or a glass of milk to a meal or snack.
Honey drizzled over half a bagel or a scoop of sorbet (sleep aid)
A multivitamin: This can fill in the nutritional gaps when you don't eat well
Cut back on caffeine, which can aggravate the blues
Create sunlight: A bright artificial, full-spectrum light can help curb the “winter blues”

The Vitamin D Factor
A Vitamin D deficiency plays a big role in the winter blues. As the amount of sunlight decreases so does a body’s Vitamin D, as sunlight is one of the primary sources of this nutrient. In order to get the needed amount of Vitamin D, a person needs minimal exposure to sunlight (approximately 10-15 minutes); however, the intensity of sunlight can vary this time frame. During winter in many northern latitudes (Northern U.S. and Canada) there is little or no vitamin D produced by the skin. The dividing line is from Los Angeles through Atlanta, so, anyone residing above this line should supplement with 400-800 units of vitamin D. The upper limit of vitamin D supplementation is 2000 units daily.

As old man winter can turn some of us into grumps, mood swings and chronic irritability can be signs of a more serious problem. For more information on “Winter Blues” or SAD, contact the Ochsner Internal Medicine Department at (504) 842-4747.

Ochsner Child Life Hosts Annual Pediatric Fall Parade

2008-10-27T10:41:00.000-05:00

Ochsner Child Life Hosts Annual Pediatric Fall Parade

NEW ORLEANS – Even though they are in the hospital, pediatric patients at Ochsner won’t have to miss out on Halloween this year. The Ochsner Child Life Department will host its Annual Pediatric Fall Parade on Friday, October 31st at 11:00am on the 1st floor of Ochsner Medical Center at 1514 Jefferson Highway. “Spending a holiday in the hospital can be difficult for children,” explains Jamie Napolitano, Ochsner Child Life Coordinator. “Our goal is to offer a positive experience for patients in the hospital, as well as patients seen on a regular basis. We feel that it is very important to normalize the environment for our pediatric patients, and address their emotional and developmental needs.”

Hospitalized pediatric patients, as well as pediatric patients that come regularly for surgeries, procedures, or other medical care, will be dressed in costume and will “trick or treat” throughout the parade route. Over 50 different departments throughout Ochsner will be participating in the parade, handing out candy and special treats to the children.

Ochsner Supports Jefferson Parish Senior Expo 2008

2008-10-20T15:04:00.001-05:00

WESTWEGO, LA – Americans are living longer and Ochsner wants to help continue the trend; so if you’re a senior and live in Jefferson Parish, this FREE event is for you! The Jefferson Parish Senior Citizen Expo will be held on Wednesday, October 22, from 9:30am–2:00pm at The Alario Center on the West Bank located at 2000 Segnette Blvd., Westwego, LA 70094. No reservations are required and lunch will be provided. This year’s event will have an autumn theme and vendors will be dressed for the season.

With over 100 vendors, seniors can enjoy door prizes, entertainment and more. Ochsner Health System is a proud co-sponsor and will host 17 booths, including several interactive screenings and real-time appointment scheduling:
- Ask-a-Cardiologist interactive booth featuring Dr. Sammy Khatib (Cardiac Electrophysiologist)
- Ask-a-Internist interactive booth featuring Internal Medicine Specialist
- Pharmacy services; find out if your medications are interacting with one-another!
- Appointment desk; schedule an appointment today!
- Golden Opportunity (GO) - A 50+ club featuring lifestyle activities, health seminars and exciting social trips. Stay active and involved with people your own age through seminars; computer or dancing classes, day trips.
· Free total cholesterol screenings, including HDL (Good Cholesterol)
· Free glucose screenings and diabetes education
· The latest in eye care and treatments (glasses and surgical options)
· Physical Rehabilitation
· Home Health
· Audiology/Hearing Services
· Breast health information

Ochsner Hosts Pediatrics Fundraiser on Saturday

2008-10-15T09:29:00.000-05:00

Ochsner Hosts Family Fundraiser "Party-4-Peds" to Benefit Pediatrics

NEW ORLEANS – This Saturday, October 18, 2008, from 4pm-7pm, Ochsner will host an event for local families as it transforms its Children’s Health Center at 1315 Jefferson Highway into a fun-filled, family fundraiser for Ochsner Pediatrics and the Ochsner Pediatric Family Assistance Fund.

The action-packed party includes entertainment by Radio Disney, refreshments by local restaurants, and entertainment including large inflatable play stations, stilt walkers, clowns and magicians, paint-the-pottery activities, t-shirt art, and jewelry making. For adults, there will be a silent auction featuring weekend get-a-ways, dining gift certificates and more.

“Having a child in the hospital can create a terrible financial burden as well as emotional burden on families, that’s why we’ve selected the Ochsner Pediatric Family Assistance Fund as the primary beneficiary of this event; it helps families of hospitalized children by enabling Ochsner help with travel and other expenses regarding our smallest patients,” explains said Dr. Douglas Moodie, Pediatric Cardiologist and Chairman of Ochsner’s Department of Pediatrics.

“Now is your child’s chance to return the ‘favor’ for those eventful office visits with a Doctor Dunking booth,” says Dr. Moodie. Physicians up to the challenge include: Dr. Vincent Adolph, Dr. Daniel Bronfin, Dr. Robert Cunningham, Dr. Robert Gensure, Dr. Lindhe Guarisco, Dr. Charles Kantrow, Dr. Victor “Sam” Lucas, Dr. Christopher Snyder, Dr. Barry Starr, Dr. Fernando Urrego and Dr. Thomas Young.

Chairing this year’s event are Jennifer Correa and Brandy Whisnant. Tickets are $50 per adult (18 and over) and $20 per child (toddlers and babies under 2 years are free). Patron level tickets for four children, two adults and a patron gift are available for $250. Call 504-842-7113 or visit www.ochsner.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

Kiwanis, Ochsner and AHA Deploy AEDs to Algiers Charter Schools

2008-10-07T08:15:00.000-05:00

Kiwanis, Ochsner and AHA Deploy Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to Algiers Charter Schools

NEW ORLEANS – You’ve seen them in airports, shopping malls, fitness centers and hospitals, but today, October 7, at 12:00pm, at O. Perry Walker College and Career Preparatory High School and Community Center, 2832 General Meyer Ave, New Orleans, 70114, the Kiwanis Club of Algiers and Ochsner Medical Center –West Bank, in association with the American Heart Association, will announce a partnership with the Algiers Charter School Association (ACSA) to make local schools “heart-safe” by arming the region’s nine (9) charter schools with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which can jump-start a heart after sudden cardiac arrest.

“The AEDs will be tremendous assets to each school,” says Andrea Duplechain, the Director of Nurses for the Algiers Charters Schools Association. “Students, teachers, and administrators are very active on school grounds, especially when playing a sport, so it makes sense to have these life-saving devices as close as possible.”

Algiers Charter Schools are the first in Orleans Parish to acquire AEDs. All schools have on-site nurses who are responsible for AED training.

Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t just strike adults; it affects about 7,000 children every year, including student athletes. “Whether you’re two years old or 60 years old, every second counts,” says Dr. Robert Matheny, Cardiologist at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank. “The bottom line is that with an AED and the press of a button, dedicated school personnel and committed community leaders can save a child’s life.”

With the backing of the American Heart Association, The Kiwanis Club and Ochsner Medical Center –West Bank are providing AEDs “at cost” to the following schools: O. Perry Walker Senior High, Harriet R. Tubman Elementary, McDonogh #32 Elementary, Edna Karr Senior High, Alice M. Harte Elementary, William J. Fischer Elementary, Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary, Martin Behrman Elementary, and Algiers Technology Academy.

Ochsner Announces Recipients of 2008 Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Health

2008-10-02T12:14:00.001-05:00

Ochsner proudly announces Elizabeth Fontham, PhD and Jonathan M. Samet, MD will receive the 2008 Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Health. Dr. Fontham is the Dean and Professor of the School of Public Health of LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Dr. Samet is the Chairman of the Dept. of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University and Director of the Institute for Global Tobacco Control of the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Recipients will be honored at the Annual Convocation of the American College of Chest Physicians in Philadelphia on October 26, 2008

The Ochsner Award honors scientific achievements that have provided insights into the biological and clinical mechanisms that relate tobacco consumption to human disease. The Award is named for the late Dr. Alton Ochsner, cardiologist, who first discovered that cigarette smoking was a major contributor to lung cancer.

Ochsner Named "Consumer's Choice" for New Orleans Hospital - 13th Straight Year

2008-10-01T09:01:00.002-05:00

Lucky 13!

For 13 years straight, New Orleans residents have named Ochsner Medical Center the “Consumer’s Choice” among New Orleans hospitals. The Consumer’s Choice Award, by National Research Corporation (NRC) identifies hospitals that consumers have chosen as having the highest quality and best image. For the last 13 years, NRC has surveyed over 250 markets and 200,000 households throughout the U.S. Winners are named in the October edition of Modern Healthcare magazine.

“Consumers continue to be empowered to make decisions for themselves and their families when selecting their healthcare facilities and services,” says Ginny Martin, President of NRC’s Healthcare Market Guide Division. “As care options multiply and consumer perception of quality grows in importance, dedication to providing a high level of quality healthcare becomes essential for hospitals. We are please to honor them through the eyes of their patients.”

“This award represents the dedication and hard work of our employees and medical staff to provide quality healthcare to New Orleans residents. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and the commitment to serving our community with distinction and excellence,” said Dr. Patrick Quinlan, CEO of Ochsner Health System.

NRC is an industry leader with two decades of specialization in healthcare performance measurement. Its survey is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive study of its kind with a margin of error of + or – 0.2 percent at a national level.

2008-09-30T08:55:00.004-05:00

Ochsner is proud to support our community partners the New Orleans Saints. Last Friday, September 26, Ochsner employees and patients celebrated the New Orleans Saints 2nd home game against the San Francisco 49ers. Go Saints!

Tips to Prevent and Treat Winter Colds and Flu

2008-09-29T10:12:00.000-05:00

Tips to Prevent and Treat Winter Colds and Flu
Making Sense of Dreaded Winter Ailments

NEW ORLEANS - Cold and flu season is upon us and Ochsner helps local residents make sense of “prevention measures” and “quick fixes” when battling these common illnesses. “First things first; people should understand the difference between a cold and the flu,” says Dr. Steven Granier, Internist at Ochsner Medical Center. “Colds are usually signaled by sneezing, congestion and possibly a low-grade fever, while the flu is marked by severe body aches and sudden high fever,” explains Dr. Granier.

“Sometimes, though, as much as we try to prevent it, you may still catch a cold or get the flu,” warns Dr. Granier. “Many patients request antibiotics; however, colds and flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria, therefore antibiotics are useless in treating them,” he explains. Doctors also advise against overusing medications to relieve symptoms since they are part of the natural healing process and evidence that the immune system is battling illness. “A low-grade fever is the body's way of “burning off” offending germs, and coughing can help clear the lungs of infected secretions,” says Dr. Granier.

And contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as the “stomach flu.” Although one out of three people with the flu may have an upset stomach, this is rarely the main symptom of the flu. “This is because the influenza virus affects the respiratory system, not the digestive system,” says Dr. Granier.

The single best “remedy” to prevent the flu is a flu shot. Other prevention measures include:
Wash your hands frequently since most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact
Avoid touching your face since viruses enter your body through the eyes, nose, or mouth
Drink plenty of water which washes out the poisons as it re-hydrates
Stop smoking as this depletes the immune system

So, should you start taking Vitamin C and Echinacea or just stock up on chicken soup? Dispelling myths, Dr. Granier says claims that Vitamin C, zinc, Echinacea, ginger and garlic will prevent or help fight a cold or the flu are inconclusive. Furthermore, flu and colds are more common in the winter months because that’s when the viruses spread across the country; it’s not due to cold weather. As far as chicken soup’s magical powers, hot liquids will definitely help to soothe a scratchy throat or cough, but unfortunately, it has no special power to cure. According to Dr. Granier, the cornerstones of a fast recovery are simple: rest and drinking plenty of fluids. “And if you suspect you have been exposed to or have the flu, call your doctor immediately.”

To schedule an appointment, please call 1-866-OCHSNER or Ochsner’s Flu Shot Hotline at 504-842-6464.

Ochsner Hosts New Orleans Saints Employee Parade

2008-09-24T09:32:00.001-05:00

Ochsner Hosts New Orleans Saints Employee Parade
Celebrates 2nd Home Game - September 28 Against 49ers

NEW ORLEANS – On Friday, September 26, from 1pm – 2pm, Ochsner will feature the Saintsations, a 2nd Line, and some very proud fans as the hospital hosts an indoor Saints Parade and Pep Rally for employees. Ochsner, the official healthcare provider of the New Orleans Saints, is welcoming the team back to the Superdome for their second home game against the San Francisco 49rs. The event will be in the 1514 Jefferson Highway Main Atrium and will include pediatric patients tossing Ochsner black and gold, rubber wrist bands and pom-poms. Today’s parade was originally scheduled to welcome the Saints to their first home game, but was delayed due to Hurricane Gustav’s arrival.

“Supporting the New Orleans Saints is another way for us to further our commitment to revitalizing and growing the Gulf Coast community; we are very proud to be their healthcare provider,” says Dr. Patrick Quinlan, Chief Executive Officer at Ochsner Health System.

Earlier this month, Ochsner and the New Orleans Saints announced the new Ochsner Eat Fit menu items at the Louisiana Superdome to give fans healthier selections while catching the action this season. Turkey dogs on whole wheat buns, grilled portobello mushrooms, chicken kebobs, and pan-seared tuna, are all part of the new Ochsner Eat Fit available in all suites, club levels and general concession stands.

Ochsner Statement: Physical Therapy - Metairie Incident

2008-09-22T16:37:00.002-05:00

Ochsner Statement Re: Ochsner Physical Therapy – Metairie Incident

"In response to the recent incident at Ochsner Physical Therapy - Metairie, Ochsner would like to re-assure all employees and patients of their safety and that we take security measures very seriously at all Ochsner locations. We are cooperating fully with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and will assist them in any way possible."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our employee who was injured today. Our chaplains and social workers are on-site to help provide support and counseling as needed."

Lawrence Van Hoose
Senior Vice President of External Relations
Ochsner Health System

Ochsner Nurses Named to "100 Great Nurses of Louisiana"

2008-09-19T15:26:00.001-05:00

39 Ochsner Nurses Named In "100 Great Nurses of Louisiana"

NEW ORLEANS - Once a year, 100 of Louisiana's brightest registered nurses are singled out for their outstanding contributions to the profession at the Great 100 Nurses Celebration. This year, a record number of Ochsner Health System nurses are named as 39 of the 100 "Great Nurses" are Ochsner nurses. In 2007, Ochsner had 33 nurses chosen for the list and in 2006 had 25.

"This prestigious award is a significant accomplishment for our nursing staff and an honor for the institution," says Dr. Patrick Quinlan, M.D., Chief Executive Officer at Ochsner Health System.
The 100 Great Nurses of Louisiana was founded in 1986 as a way to recognize outstanding nurses and their accomplishments and successes. The honorees are selected by their peers and patients, based on their humanity, as well as their contribution to the community and the nursing profession.

"We are very proud of our entire nursing staff," said Nancy Davis, RN, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Ochsner. "Nursing can be a demanding yet rewarding job and we appreciate the dedication and hard work our staff puts into their profession."
Below are the 39 Ochsner Health System nurses that are honored in The 100 Great Nurses of Louisiana:

1. Donegan, Jill Pain Clinic, Baptist
2. Gassiot, Carolyn SNF, EMC
3. Bush, Stephanie, NP PICU, OMC
4. Cassidy, Cindy Multi Organ Transplant, OMC
5. Castillo, Beverly NICU, OMC
6. Chapman, Janine Infection Control, OMC
7. Collins, Lauren Pediatrics, OMC
8. Graci, Stephanie CCU, OMC
9. Guttman, Esther Acute Psych, OMC
10. MacMahon, John CCU, OMC
11. Martin, Lynn Delivery, OMC
12. Mayer, Tammy Mother / Baby, OMC
13. Annino, Jennifer NICU, OMC
14. Baggett, Renee Pre Op Center, OMC
15. Baker, Bonnie NICU, OMC
16. Honor, Arolyn 11th Fl Oncology Acute, OMC
17. Klein, Edna CCU, OMC
18. Mathews, Lynn NICU, OMC
19. Millet, Whitney NICU, OMC
20. Rivera, Donna, NNP NICU, OMC
21. Terrell, Barbara CCU / Cath Lab, OMC
22. Wadsworth, Deborah DOSC, OMC
23. Wyatt, Deborah CCU, OMC
24. Folse, Janie St. Anne
25. Hitt, Mae Frances St. Anne
26. Vedros, Allyson St. Anne
27. Buquoi, Delana Surgery, Westbank
28. Dupre, Mary L&D, Westbank
29. Fuselier, Jarrett ICU/CCU, Westbank
30. Huling, Shan ICU/CCU, Westbank
31. Juneau, Candice NICU, Westbank
32. Kleinpeter, Jenna NICU, Westbank
33. Randall, Latwunya ED, Westbank
34. Rodgers, Vallerie ICU/CCU, Westbank
35. Sanford, Karen ICU/CCU, Westbank
36. Sapp, Michelle Med Surg, Westbank
37. Savoie, Brianna ICU/CCU, Westbank
38. Walker, Elmira Westbank
39. Wingerter, Leslie Mother/Baby, Westbank

Elmwood Fitness Announces Biggest Loser Program

2008-09-16T09:25:00.001-05:00

“Biggest Loser” Program Begins at Elmwood Fitness Center

NEW ORLEANS – Elmwood Fitness Center is renewing its reality weight loss program as it localizes “The Biggest Loser” in New Orleans beginning September 29 for individuals 18 years and older. And, the last day to sign up is this Friday, September 19. Trainers and nutritionists at Elmwood are offering local residents the opportunity to drop pounds and inches, and establish a long-term lifestyle plan that will help keep the pounds off. Pre-testing for the 10-week program begins next week, September 22; cost is $200 for Elmwood members and $350 for non-members.

“Most people view diets or weight loss techniques in a negative light, so we sought to develop a program that would be fun, competitive, and encourages life-long health habits and lifestyle choices,” says Dr. Matthew McQueen, Elmwood’s Medical Director and Sports Medicine/Family Practice Physician at Ochsner. “This is the second season of Elmwood’s Biggest Loser.”

Additional support will include a personal weight loss success story from Ochsner’s Dr. Douglas Moodie, Chairman of Pediatrics, who will be the keynote speaker on opening night, September 22, where he will present his over 85-pound weight loss story.

Elmwood’s Biggest Loser Program:
§ Contestants do not have to be members of Elmwood to compete.
§ Non-members of Elmwood who participate will get a 10-week membership to the Club
§ Prizes will be awarded to the top three males and females who lose the greatest percentage of weight and inches based on their starting body weight, and to the team who has the greatest total percentage loss.
§ 200 contestants will be allowed to compete in the program.
§ Some of the training includes:
- Access to all Elmwood exercise programs
- One, 60-minute session per week with a Certified Personal Trainer in a group setting
- Admission to three nutrition seminars with Nutritionist, Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD at Elmwood’s Harahan location.

For more information, contact Tavis Piattoly at 504-842-6152, tpiattoly@ochsner.org. EFC's Biggest Loser Challenge is not affiliated with The Biggest Loser program on NBC.

Ochsner Partners with New Orleans Saints To Offer Gourmet Concessions

2008-09-15T10:15:00.001-05:00

Ochsner Partners with New Orleans Saints to Offer Gourmet Concessions
Eat Fit Menu Introduced by Ochsner’s Elmwood Fitness Center

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Saints are teaming with Ochsner’s Elmwood Fitness Center and Centerplate to give fans the opportunity to feast on a wide-variety of healthy selections while catching the action this season at the Louisiana Superdome. Turkey dogs on whole wheat buns, grilled Portobello mushrooms, chicken kebobs, and pan-seared tuna, are all part of the new Ochsner Eat Fit available in all suites, club levels and general concession stands.

“By opting to try these new menu items, kicking off the 2008 football season won’t mean kick-starting your waistline,” says Molly Kimball, Elmwood Sports and Lifestyle Nutritionist. “Ochsner Eat Fit menu items are healthier, gourmet alternatives to the standard hotdogs, nachos and burgers.”

For those looking to splurge, Rita Benson LeBlanc, Owner/Executive Vice President of the New Orleans Saints, reassures fans that, “the traditional, favorite game-day foods will still be available, but alternatives such as blackened turkey sandwiches on whole wheat and grilled vegetables are a healthy addition to our menus to make game-day indulgence guilt free.”

The Louisiana Superdome is one of the first stadiums in the U.S. to team up with a medical center and nutritionists to create healthier menu items and offer nutrition facts for football fans. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that Louisiana is one of the least healthy states with the highest levels of obesity in adults and children.

“Enjoying great food is part of the New Orleans culture, so Ochsner Eat Fit is bringing great flavor in a healthier entrée to football fans. We want the Louisiana Superdome to be a winning experience for both the Saints and our community’s health,” says Warner Thomas, COO and President of Ochsner Health System.

Ochsner is the official Healthcare Provider of the New Orleans Saints.