Health in General Spring 2016

A PUBLICATION OF LAFAYETTE GENERAL HEALTH

NICView Arrives.

Never Leave Their Side.

Ashley Moody | NICView Mom

Be Careful Springing Into Summer.

Running the Boston Marathon to Benefit Cancer Center.

Tired of Allergies Controlling Your Life?

SPRING | 2016

F E AT U R E D C O N T E N T S P R I N G | 2 0 1 6

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Welcome New Physicians

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Interim Administrator Named at Acadia General Hospital Lafayette General Health announced

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Hospital Spotlight | UHC

the appointment of Donald D. Trexler as Interim Administrator at Acadia

Dr. Hamilton | Kitchen Safety

General Hospital, effective March 1.

Trexler brings years of experience in

Controlling Your Allergies

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Cover Story

NICView Arrives - Ashley Moody

the medical industry to Crowley.

Trexler’s experience working with physicians was key

to his appointment. His most recent position was CEO of Cypress Pointe Surgical Hospital (CPSH) in Hammond, LA.

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Foundation Names Fund Recipient

Running the Boston Marathon to Benefit Cancer Center

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Stroke Surprises New Mother

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Be Careful Springing Into Summer

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3D Imaging Assists Plastic Surgery

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LGH Events

“I am dedicated to growing Acadia General and exceeding

its potential,” says Trexler. “In addition to working with our medical community, my main focus will be to bring financial stability to AGH.”

Cancer Center of Acadiana Earns Accreditation with Commendation The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons has granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to Cancer Center of Acadiana

Health In General

is produced by the Lafayette General Health Community Relations Department

201 Audubon Blvd.

Ste.102 Lafayette, LA 70503 (337)289-8600

(CCA) at Lafayette General.

To earn accreditation, a program must meet or exceed 34 CoC

quality standards, be evaluated every three years and maintain excellence in patient-centered care. Three-Year Accreditation

LGH SVP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PLANNING

LGH SYSTEM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Allen Meadows

Daryl Cetnar

COMMUNITY RELATIONS STAFF

Meghan Connell Alexandra Donaldson Gus Fontenot Brent Pelloquin Leslie Primeaux

with Commendation is only awarded to a facility that exceeds standard requirements. CCA received all eligible commendations, earning a gold rating, the highest rating awarded to any oncology program.

Earning national accreditation also made CCA eligible for

the CoC’s Outstanding Achievement Award, which CCA won in March. CCA was among a group of 27 accredited cancer programs throughout the U.S. to win this installment of the award. That recognition was followed by CCA being named a 2016 Women’s Choice Award winner, as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care. This designation is reserved for accredited centers that are committed to the highest standards in cancer care.

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SPRING 2016

Lafayette General Health (LGH) is pleased to welcome six new physicians. Serving patients in a variety of fields, these physicians help LGH provide for the health care needs of Acadiana.

NEW PHYSICIANS

Creighton E. Shute, D.O.

David “Ashton” Reed, M.D.

Family and Sports Medicine, LGMD

Internal Medicine

Lafayette General Southwest (337) 981-3368

600 E. Gloria Switch Rd. (337) 235-6211

Dr. Shute will run the Concussion

Dr. Reed’s concern for people

Clinic at Lafayette General

is evident through his volunteer

Southwest. With experience in

contributions at local health clinics

the military and in the emergency

and nursing homes. Dr. Reed has

room, Dr. Shute understands the

combined his practice with his

limits of the human physique,

father, Dr. Donald Reed, and is

especially when dealing with

eager to serve the people of the

concussions.

Upper Lafayette area with the same dedication and compassion.

Kelvin Blaine Raybon, M.D., FACP

Kevin R. Hargrave, M.D., MBA

Oncology/Hematology, LGMD

Neurology and Sleep Medicine, LGMD

Cancer Center of Acadiana at UHC (337) 261-6545

Neuroscience Center of Acadiana (337) 235-4554

Dr. Raybon’s experience ranges

Dr. Hargrave joins Neuroscience

from hospice care to clinical

Center of Acadiana as its new

administration. He offers genuine

medical director. He has 15 years

compassion and astute medical

of experience in private practice

care. His background includes

neurology and sleep medicine

training in Internal Medicine,

and will help to develop a new

Oncology/Hematology, medical

comprehensive sleep medicine

teaching and military service.

center at Lafayette General.

Kendra J. McAnally, D.O.

Steve Rees, M.D.

Pulmonologist

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, LGMD

Lafayette General Medical Center and Lafayette General Southwest

1211 Coolidge Blvd., Ste. 401 (337) 247-9715

Dr. McAnally joins the Critical

Dr. Rees is Director of

Care (Intensivists) team and Lung

Rehabilitation Services and

Mass Clinic at both the Lafayette

has been named Assistant Vice

General Medical Center and

President of Medical Affairs for

Lafayette General Southwest

Lafayette General Health.

campuses.

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U N I V E R S I T Y H O S P I TA L & C L I N I C S

University Hospital & Clinics (UHC) has seen steady, positive improvements after Lafayette General Health (LGH) assumed management from the State of Louisiana in 2013. Since then, the community has benefited from

some of the best medical oncologists/hematologists in Louisiana and a patientcentered approach to cancer care. The Infusion Clinic saw its monthly

and responded to this success in impressive numbers. Shorter

number of visits nearly

Emergency Room wait-times, new infection protocols and

2390 W. Congress St. (337) 261-6000

improved patient satisfaction scores highlight the transformation that has occurred at UHC.

Since 2013, UHC has enjoyed an impressive resurgence that

has brought it back from the brink. The hospital has reopened its Pediatric Clinic and its Medical Detox Unit. The Orthopedic Unit expanded its hours of operation. The Oncology Unit was renovated and a new Infusion Clinic opened. A new Electronic Medical Record system was implemented. UHC was able to utilize state funding to upgrade its elevators and replace air conditioning chillers throughout the building. LGH also invested in new equipment and facility upgrades in several areas of the hospital, such as new ultrasound, nuclear medicine and audiology equipment.

Medical staffing was also addressed. Cardiologists from

Cardiovascular Institute of the South were contracted to expand cardiology services. In fall 2015, UHC became the newest location of Cancer Center of Acadiana, providing access to

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triple from 129 in 2013 to 373 in 2015.

On top of all that, UHC is currently undergoing a

multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of its Emergency Department. In addition, the exterior of the entire hospital is receiving a thick coat of sealant paint to improve infection control and energy efficiency.

The patient population UHC is now seeing reflects the

improvements made at UHC. The average daily census increased from an average of 16 patients in 2013 to 45 patients in 2015; outpatient encounters per month improved from 10,470 in 2013 to 19,358 in 2015; and the number of employees has increased from 505 in 2012 to 718 in 2015.

This level of success is directly tied to the hospital’s

commitment to goals and strategies put into place in 2013.

Those goals are for UHC to be in the top percentiles for patient and employee satisfaction across the board.

the most common kitchen injury I see is kids burned when taking food out of the

Don’t Get Chopped in Your Own Kitchen My family loves the cooking show “Chopped.” Contestants make dishes using “mystery basket” ingredients, and famous chefs judge their creations.

Though it’s interesting to see how creative the cooks can be, the really big moments come when someone cuts themselves, or starts a fire on the stove.

Kitchens can be dangerous, particularly

for kids. Ovens and stoves can burn little hands. Microwaves produce boiling liquids to spill. There’s glass, raw meat, sharp knives, poisonous powders and liquids under the sink, blenders and garbage disposals. As parents prepare meals and kids run around getting things from the refrigerator, it’s a high-traffic area where collisions happen. Watch Chopped and note how chefs warn each other when passing; they know it’s dangerous bumping each other with pans of hot oil.

Yet kitchens are places for families to get together. We meet there for breakfast and dinner. Parents can monitor their kids’ homework at the counter. Also, kids want to help with food prep – if it wasn’t entertaining, they wouldn’t have cooking shows! Kids want to learn skills like chopping and baking. And, of course, they want to eat!

It’s important to teach food safety. First

microwave. Usually mom is in another room; the child heats soup or noodles, opens the microwave’s big clumsy door, and someone bumps into it. Screaming and blistering burns ensue. If the child gets splashed on the face or hands, it can be

is frequent hand washing. Most illnesses

disfiguring.

are contracted from hand-to-hand contact.

In the kitchen, hands touch raw meat, dirty

taught – kids aren’t born knowing ovens

vegetables and raw eggs, which carry

are hot, microwave doors are big targets

bacteria. And people touch their faces and

and dishwasher pods aren’t edible. Show

lick their fingers, putting those germs into

kids how not to get hurt. Teach about the

their bodies. Everyone should wash their

dangers of hot liquids, stoves and ovens,

hands immediately after handling raw

and those darn microwave doors. If you

Kitchen safety is something that is

foods.

have a gas stove, kids need to learn not to

turn them on unknowingly, and about fire

Kids should learn to wash dirty utensils

and cutting boards, too. Keeping clean

hazard. People often store poisons under

is like a kid’s game, where the bad guys

the sink – cleansers, dishwasher detergent,

(bacteria and viruses) are invisible, and

rat poison. Dishwasher pods look

you have to work a certain way to avoid

particularly appetizing. If you have babies

contamination. Change or wash knives

and toddlers, install toddler-proof locks on

after cutting raw meat or vegetables. Use

the cabinet doors or put those things high,

plastic cutting boards for meat – bacteria-

out of reach.

laden meat juice soaks into wooden

boards, and stays.

blenders, garbage disposals and snow-

cone makers. It’s a life-long disability when

Kids want to handle knives. They should

Finally, supervise kids when using

learn basic rules like always cutting away

kids lose fingers by reaching into these

from themselves, and not holding food

machines while they’re running.

being cut in their hand. Knives should be

Everyone needs to learn how to cook and

used slowly. Leave the high-speed dicing

to be safe in the kitchen. We all learned

to the cooking shows!

cooking from our parents. It’s a joy to be

together in the kitchen. But teach them not

I use my microwave a lot, but I hate

others having them. Sounds selfish, but

to get Chopped.

Scott Hamilton, M.D. , is a board-certified pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatricians and medical advisor in Lafayette General Medical Center’s dedicated pediatric treatment area within the Emergency Department. Dr. Hamilton is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support course instructor. His blog is available at ParentsDontFret.net and through a link at LafayetteGeneral.com, where it is accessible to parents anytime, anywhere there is an Internet connection. ParentsDontFret.net

SPRING 2016

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SNEEZE.COUGH.REPEAT.

Tired of Allergies Controlling Your Life? n South Louisiana, every season is

treatments, we offer that, too.”

allergy season depending on what

you are allergic to. We are at the top of

Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist is needed

the charts for high pollen count

if you experience three or more significant

according to the Asthma and Allergy

allergy occurrences in one year, or if your

Foundation of America. Therefore, people

symptoms continue for three or more

here tend to have terrible allergies.

months.

proactive in managing your allergies.

Symptoms tend to be a runny nose,

A higher level of care provided by an Ear,

“Finding out what your trigger is may

sneezing, itchy eyes and/or a scratchy

require allergy testing,” explained Dr. Ryan

Nichole Miller, M.D.

There are several ways to medically

treat your allergies. Trying to determine the

throat. There are several ways to be

Chastant, Ear, Nose and Throat physician

correct medication to help you manage your

proactive when it comes to reducing

with LGMD Physician Group. “We can do

allergies on your own can be overwhelming.

your allergy symptoms. However, our

intradermal skin testing, or a blood test.

It is best to consult your physician to

urgent care facilities are a great resource

We then test against certain allergens to

develop a specific treatment plan based on

for immediate relief.

see if you are indeed allergic to those.”

your allergy profile.

“We cater to patients for initial care if

After learning what you are allergic

Immunotherapy is recommended

they have flare ups,” said Dr. Nichole Miller,

to, you can start an appropriate treatment

when your symptoms persist and do

physician at Lafayette General Urgent Care.

plan outlined by your physician. You may

not get better after being treated with

not necessarily have to be on a medication

antihistamines, nasal sprays and/or steroids.

with your ENT immediately; if you are

treatment plan year-round, explains Dr.

It helps build your immunity to an allergen

busy at work and can only come in after

Chastant.

by transmitting very minute amounts of

five o’clock; if you are in need of breathing

the allergen through shots or a sublingual

“If you aren’t able to get an appointment

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“If you aren’t able to get an appointment with your ENT immediately; if you are busy at work and can only come in after five o’clock; if you are in need of breathing treatments, we offer that, too.”

H E A LT H I N G E N E R A L

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Environmental control is key to staying

spray weekly at your doctor’s office. This process can take six to 10 months to reach maintenance.

Don’t let your allergies continue to

control your life. There is no better time than now to be proactive and prevent your allergy symptoms before they arise.

Consult an ENT or urgent care provider to learn more about the best allergy treatment plan for you.

Fight the Sniffles and Sneezes of the Season.

QUICK TIPS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Watch the Weather Your allergies are likely to be worse on a dry, sunny and windy day.

That is the ideal weather condition for trees to release pollen. Light rain can also stir up pollen.

Shower at Night Showering before bed instead of in the morning will wash away most of the allergens clinging to your skin and hair throughout the day.

Wash Your Clothes Often Dust and pollen cling to clothing, especially those made of rough fabrics such as wool.

Wear Glasses Instead of Contacts When the pollen count is high, the permeable texture of contacts can trap pollen and absorb airborne irritants.

To schedule and appointment with Dr. Chastant, call (337) 233-9850.

Don’t run to the ER for minor conditions. Lafayette General Urgent Care Centers offer board-certified physicians treating cuts, burns, broken bones, ear infections, flu symptoms and more. On-site breathing treatments, X-ray and labs! Open after work and on weekends.

Most insurances accepted, including Medicare.

No appointment necessary, open 7 days a week.

Now Open at Three Convenient Locations

River Ranch

Sugar Mill Pond

Carencro

(337) 769-0069

(337) 857-5765

(337) 886-6455

1216 Camellia Blvd.

2810 Bonin Rd.

917 Gloria Switch Rd.

Hours Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

LafayetteGeneral.com/UrgentCare

SPRING 2016

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NicView Arrives TM

NICU BABY MONITORING CAMERA SYSTEM

Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) continues to focus on family-centered care to better accommodate Acadiana’s growing health care needs.

The renovation added 11,000 Bond Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for Strengthening Thatover Special

LGMC has seen an increase in deliveries

square feet to the department, for a total

a total of 31 beds; and an entirely new

area of 53,639 square feet dedicated

Nursery. An additional elevator was added

completely to maternity and newborn

to the front lobby for quicker and easier

services.

access to the second-floor department.

delivered 2,875 babies. This was an

Suites, equaling 31 beds total; six beds

rooms featuring sleeping couches, rocking

were added to the Labor & Delivery area,

chairs and personal refrigerators in

for a total of 21 beds with three new

every room.

exam rooms; six beds were added to the

increase of 13.4 percent over the previous year and a 56 percent increase since 2012.

In fact, from November 1, 2015, through February 29, 2016, LGMC delivered more babies than any other facility in Lafayette.

“You can ask our patients – it’s from

the minute they walk in the door to the minute they walk out; every single person here that they encounter just adds up to this really special experience,” says Dr. Jennifer Pugliese, OB/GYN, and Chair of LGMC’s Women’s Services Department.

LGMC recently expanded its Women’s

and Children’s Services Department. The increase in deliveries prompted the need to accommodate Lafayette General’s growing demand.

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All Mother-Baby Suites are designed

with a home-like setting with large open

over the last few years. In fiscal year 2015, which ended September 30, LGMC

The expansion allowed for seven

additional beds in the Mother-Baby

“What’s been nice on the pediatric end

of things is that we are coupling the mother and baby in the same room,” says Dr. Toni Leoni, Pediatrician and Chair of LGMC’s Pediatric Department. “The mothers are keeping their babies in their room most of the time.”

Another new feature of the NICU is

the NICView Camera system, donated by the Lafayette General Foundation. The NICView Camera became available to LGMC families in March. The only other hospitals currently utilizing this technology in Louisiana are located in the New Orleans area.

The NICView Camera System is an

innovative secure camera system in the NICU, allowing parents, family and friends to view the infant in real-time, 24/7. You can

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SPRING 2016

to not be able to come see her. A live video is much better than a still picture. They can see her move, they know she is real.”

Parents can rest assured their baby’s

privacy is being protected while the camera system is in use. The NICU provides parents a unique username and password to login to the private account online. Each account is linked to an individual camera associated with their child. The system is extremely safe, as One of the new Mother-Baby Suites at LGMC

only individuals who are authorized by the parents are able to access the video.

watch your baby for as long and as often

but even so, you want to see her more than

NICView is purely a live feed, no video

as you want from a distance utilizing any

that. It’s nice to logon even if it’s just for a

recordings are made, and no images are

device with Internet access. The camera

second, just to see her breathe. It makes

stored.

system is simple to use, there are no special

you feel like you are involved.”

plug-ins needed or apps to download, and

involved, which strengthens trust and

is compatible with every Internet browser.

newborn baby right after birth is always

Bonding time between parents and a

NICView allows parents to feel more

provides them with reassurance that

“It gives you peace of mind, and a little sense of calm. It makes me feel a little more satisfied if I can’t come to the hospital.” Lon Moody, NICView Dad

LGMC understands the arrival of a new

important, especially in the NICU. The

their child is being well cared for. When

child is both exciting and emotional, and

NICView Camera system is used to help

trust is formed between the parent and

when those first critical days are spent in

build that bond with families and their

their child’s health care providers during

the NICU, it can leave parents with varying

hospitalized baby when they cannot be

their time apart, it allows the health care

emotions.

at the bedside with them.

professionals to focus on their job of caring

“You feel like you need to be around

“Most dads have to go to work, even if

for the infants in the NICU.

your baby 24/7, and you can’t,” says

mom can be here all of the time,” says Lon

Ashley Moody, NICView user. “We don’t

Moody, NICView Dad. “Being that I can

become our own unique team approach

live in town. We try to get here every day,

check-in on her throughout the day while

to managing the babies requiring

“We have developed what has

I’m working is 100 percent beneficial.

intensive care,” says Dr. David De Iulio,

It gives you peace of mind, and a little

Neonatologist and Medical Director of

sense of calm. It makes me feel a little more

LGMC’s Neonatal ICU. “You should make

satisfied if I can’t come to the hospital.”

no mistake about it, the performance of

our staff and our outcomes rival that of any

It is not only beneficial for the parents,

but for siblings and extended family as

intensive care unit on the planet.”

well. Parents have the ability to share video access to introduce their newest addition to the family with extended Ashley Moody holds her newborn in the NICU at LGMC

family and friends.

“My children love watching her on the

Tours of the Mother-Baby Suites for any expecting mother can be arranged by calling (337) 289-7210.

camera,” says Lon. “It’s eating them alive

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Foundation Names Recipient of Innovation Fund

program. Compliance Partners aims to help healthcare organizations keep up with complex and rapidly changing regulations. The HIF investment will be used to help Compliance Partners accelerate expansion efforts and launch

Lafayette General Foundation

To qualify for the investment by HIF,

new service lines to improve compliance

announced in February that its subsidiary,

there is an investment review process

management across the Gulf South.

Healthcare Innovation Fund (HIF), has

to evaluate a company’s or a product’s

identified the first recipient of its seed-

potential in the marketplace. If the

team and trusted technology platform

money investment program. Compliance

evaluation process is satisfied, both

will keep healthcare facilities and systems

Partners, a New Orleans-based healthcare

the Foundation and LGH boards must

up-to-date with complex and shifting

and compliance service technology firm,

approve the investment before any

regulations,” states Cian Robinson,

is in position to receive $500,000 in funds

monies can be transferred.

Executive Director of Lafayette General

as part of HIF’s effort to fuel and finance

Foundation. “Investing in this company’s

new products and services that can help

commitment to improving health in our

growth allows us to give back through

improve the health care industry.

community,” says Clay Allen, Chairman

building more sound, secure

of the Lafayette General Health Board

and cost effective health systems, both

Innovation Fund was capitalized through

of Trustees. “But, this also helps foster a

here in our own community and across

a $1.5M investment from Lafayette

better environment for medical research

the region.”

General Health (LGH) and $1M from the

and economic opportunity locally, as well.

Louisiana Seed Capital Program under

This isn’t just investment into a business,

into other healthcare-related start-up

the Louisiana Economic Development

it’s an investment in our people.”

businesses for subsequent investments,

Corporation (LEDC). LEDC allows

investment funds such as HIF to leverage

professional services firm in the nation

the Federal Treasury Department State

authorized to deliver customized,

Small Business Credit Initiative funds with

comprehensive compliance services

private funds to invest in seed and/or early

utilizing ComplyTrack, an industry-

stage businesses located in Louisiana.

leading risk and compliance software

The Foundation’s Healthcare

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“Driving innovation reflects our

Compliance Partners is the only

“Compliance Partners’ certified service

The Foundation is currently looking

some of which are already in the evaluation process.

For more information about the HIF, call the Foundation office at (337) 289-8950.

Benefitting the Cancer Center of Acadiana Cancer Research Fund.

Kate Rountree, Lafayette General Bariatric Services Dietitian, has chose to dedicate her run in the 120th Boston Marathon on April 18 to the Cancer Research Fund benefitting Cancer Center of Acadiana (CCA).

Kate chose to raise both money and

“Being close to home is important,” says

Kate. “If the treatment you need is right

raised go toward conducting clinical trials as well as leveraging additional funding

here, how nice would it be for a child or an

resources such as grants.

adult to be home and comfortable? I think

that’s a big deal.”

big deal for me personally,” says Kate.

Kate approached Lafayette General

“Running the Boston Marathon is a

“Coupling my efforts for CCA with a big

Foundation with interest to raise money for

event, and bringing it a little more

CCA in February. While she was aware of

notoriety since it is Boston, is exciting!”

the care CCA provides, she was unaware

of the Cancer Research Fund. The Cancer

Cancer Program, providing elite care

Research Fund benefits CCA, as all monies

among nationally ranked centers. CCA

CCA is recognized as an Accredited

awareness for CCA during her monumental

is not your typical cancer center. The

achievement.

oncologists and nurses make sure each

patient knows they are at the center of a

“I figured, what better way to give back

than using my talent to help raise money

support team and are not going through

for a good cause,” says Kate.

their battle alone.

As an employee of LGH, Kate has seen

Please join Kate as she races, raising

firsthand the level of care CCA provides

money for CCA’s Cancer Research Fund,

to patients across Acadiana. Personally

and brings awareness to the outstanding

knowing others in the community

services that CCA provides. Lafayette

who have stayed here to receive their

General Foundation is accepting

cancer treatment, she knew this was

donations by calling (337) 289-8954.

the organization she wanted to raise awareness for. She felt it was important for people to know they can receive the same level of care here at home as they can from some of the larger cancer centers around the country.

“I figured, what better way to give back than using my talent to help raise money for a good cause.”

You can follow Kate’s journey on Instagram and Facebook @RountreeNutrition #KateRunsBoston.

Kate Rountree, RDN, LDN

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Love Will Build a Bridge.

Postpartum preeclampsia occurs when a woman has high blood pressure and excess protein in her urine soon after

bleed. She was intubated immediately

childbirth.

finally had the life she dreamed of. She

after her CT scan and was rushed into

lived in a harmonious house with her

surgery.

Cherie’s life. She stayed in the ICU for

loving husband, Chad Franks, two

an additional three weeks. The road to

At age 43, Cherie Cockerham Franks

“It was Dr. Jayme Trahan who said

Dr. Trahan and his team saved

step-children and a child on the way.

to me – sign this paper, I am going to

recovery has not been easy. “There were

On November 5, 2015, Alaina Cole Franks

attempt to save your wife’s life,” Chad

a lot of dark times, but those times were also the best bonding experience for us,”

was born, weighing in at 6 pounds and 7 ounces.

Postpartum preeclampsia can sometimes be unavoidable. Many factors can contribute to the condition, including a genetic predisposition and chronic high blood pressure.

During the delivery, the song “Love

Will Build a Bridge” by The Judds was playing over the sound system. She didn’t know it then, but this song would foreshadow her future.

Eight days later, Cherie was home with

Alaina when she suddenly slipped in her

Chad explains.

Alaina was in the care of family and

friends while Cherie was recovering.

Alaina was able to come home for the first time at the beginning of April. Cherie still requires assistance with Alaina until she regains full use of the left side of her body.

Though, just as any loving mother, she had to have her little miracle home

bedroom. “I couldn’t figure out what was

with her.

going on, I just knew that I couldn’t get up.” Cherie says. She managed to call her

says. “I was in complete shock.”

husband who rushed home from work

strong will, she is a force to be reckoned

and immediately called 911.

her scalp and evacuated the hematoma.

Dr. Trahan surgically removed part of

Through Cherie’s spirit, faith and

with. She already has plans to “re-

Surgery showed Cherie had experienced

invent” herself and help other women,

Medical Center’s (LGMC) Emergency

a stroke, which occurs when blood flow

especially those with children who have

Room, the nurses saw she had a left-sided

to an area of brain is cut off. The stroke

experienced a stroke. Cherie’s story does

facial droop, slurred speech and left side

caused Cherie to have an intracranial

not end here, it’s - To be continued…..

Once she arrived at Lafayette General

hemiparesis (muscle weakness). From

hemorrhage, a bleed inside the skull. The

there, she was taken for a CT scan and it

stroke and the intracranial hemorrhage

was determined she had an intracranial

were a result of postpartum preeclampsia.

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Be Careful Springing Into Summer School is out, the great outdoors are calling, and team tryouts are looming.

Many people rev up their physical activity during summer. But, people should be careful about overdoing it if they haven’t kept themselves in good shape before getting too active.

“We see an uptick in injuries this

time of year,” says Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician Paul Novakovich, M.D. “We tend to see more non-operative and soft-tissue injuries as kids are getting back into football practice. Kids spend the offseason not in football shape, start their practice regimen, and start getting groin strains and hamstring pulls.”

“We see an uptick in injuries this time of year” Paul Novakovich, M.D.

overuse, such as the end of baseball season. Pitching off of short rest, while fatigued, or while in pain causes a lot of elbow and shoulder problems. “But, in the Paul Novakovich, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery

summer, we see a lot of sprains, strains, pulls, all those sorts of things,” says Dr. Novakovich.

Dr. Novakovich encourages people

to maintain good fitness during any offseason and to begin any activity with

So, if you’re going to get active, try not

to go from the sofa into a full sprint, and summer can be a walk in the park.

active warm-ups (not just stretching).

He does say that, sometimes, sports injuries are just a result of bad luck. “In terms of equipment, for instance, there’s no helmet that can prevent a concussion.”

Many injuries he sees occur from

Dr. Novakovich, who earned his Doctor of Medicine from LSU, trained with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Novakovich, call (337) 216-9018.

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Vectra XT: Taking the Guess Work Out of Plastic Surgery

Dreaming of a renewed appearance but not quite

sure if the results of plastic surgery will be what you envisioned?

Vectra XT is used for most procedures

including breast augmentation, breast lifts, body contouring, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, fillers

Dr. Joseph Lupo and Dr. Bennett Boustany

and more. It not only allows you to see what

Fontenot understand the decision to have

procedures you envisioned having done, but

plastic surgery can be both exciting and

allows the surgeon to show you what he

overwhelming. These surgeons

feels will give you optimal results. “Before

have the solution to your before-

this machine, I would talk to patients

and-after surgery concerns -

and ask them ‘What do you want to

Vectra XT.

look like?’” says Dr. Lupo. “Their vision

Advances in 3D photography and

and my interpretation of their vision, you

digital software allow these surgeons

always hope matches, but it can be off. This

to perform pre-procedure consultations from a

eliminates the question of what the results will look

new perspective. Vectra XT allows you to view

like. Having this 3D image allows me to analyze the

what the result of a breast augmentation, facial

patient and develop a more refined plan.”

procedure, liposuction and more will look like

Actual surgical results will be very similar to the

before leaving your consultation.

simulation. “It gives realistic expectations, I don’t think

the machine overdoes it. It is a simulation though, it

“The advanced Vectra XT 3D imaging system provides our

patients with the most complete education possible regarding

does not guarantee a result, but simulates it very well,” says

their plastic surgery procedures,” says Dr. Lupo.

Dr. Lupo.

Vectra XT utilizes six cameras to capture a three dimensional

Once you have decided on a final appearance, you will leave

image of the area you wish to enhance or refine. The cameras

with online access to your virtual model. Seeing your final results

take pictures simultaneously from different angles to build the

before the procedure gives you more confidence walking into

three dimensional virtual model. The entire process takes only

your surgery. Gone are the days of guessing what your new

a few minutes.

appearance could look like.

Your virtual model is displayed on a monitor in the

consultation room, allowing the surgeon to show you the results of different procedures from every angle. You and the surgeon can experiment with different looks until you find the one that matches your desired results.

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To book a free consultation with Dr. Lupo or Dr. Fontenot, call 504-3640. For more information, visit PlasticSurgeryLafayette.com.

EVENTS

Former patient MacKenzie Bourg performed for patients in the Pediatric Unit at LGMC on March 26.

MacKenzie’s doctor and nursing staff were present to surprise him.

MacKenzie made it to the Final 4 in this season’s American Idol TV Series.

A flag-raising ceremony was held April 1 at Lafayette General Medical Center to kick-off Donate Life Month.

Organ recipient Paul Strong and Michelle DeVillier, sister of organ donor Renee Jagneaux, together raised the “Donate Life” flag to fly for the entire month of April at La Place de Vie courtyard.

Lafayette General Foundation held “In Skilled Hands,” an art exhibition and auction, on March 24. Monies raised during the event go to underwrite Foundation activities including the purchase of equipment for the neonatal ICU at LGMC, telemedicine in public schools, cancer screening for women, and much more. In total, just over $23,000 was raised.

Harlem Globetrotter’s #15, Buckets Blake visited patients in the pediatric and oncology units at LGMC. Buckets performed tricks, posed for photos and taught a few patients how to spin a basket ball on their finger.

Lafayette General Health (LGH) celebrated World Health Day April 7. This year the worldwide focus was diabetes.

The two most basic things people can do to help control their blood sugar is eat healthy and exercise. To spread awareness, employees wore scrubs with World Health Day stickers to get the conversation started. All LGH Campuses hosted campus walks promoting exercise. Signage was placed throughout each hospital encouraging everyone to drink more water as a way to start eating healthy.

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Stroke: Know the Symptoms

Lafayette General’s Acadiana Stroke Support Group holds FREE meetings for survivors and families the second Tuesday of each month (except December). LGMC’s Owen Auditorium | 3-4 p.m.

Call (337) 289-7740 LafayetteGeneral.com/Stroke

-PR OG WN H ENAOLN TH I NO FGIETN, ECROAML M |U NSI PTRY I- N 2 0E 1D6 H E A L T H S Y S T E M 16 A