Mental Health

Sep 9, 2022

How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Our Children?

This time in our kids’ lives could shape how they connect with others and the world around them for years to come.

By Angelia Spurgin, PhD

Food & Fitness

Nov 22, 2021

Eating to Manage High Blood Pressure During COVID-19

Here are some tips on how to keep your blood pressure well-controlled to maintain good health and nutrition during the coronavirus crisis and beyond.

By Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD

Health Trends

Jun 29, 2021

Are Headaches Signs of COVID-19?

While respiratory problems are more common, the CDC does list headache and stomach issues as possible symptoms of COVID-19.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

May 16, 2021

I Can’t Smell Anything. Do I Have COVID-19?

Anosmia is the loss or altered sense of smell, and could be a symptom of COVID-19.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD and Edward McCoul, MD, MPH

Prevention & Wellness

Feb 5, 2021

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day During COVID

COVID-19 is still around, and Valentine’s Day will have to be celebrated differently. We have some ideas to keep you safe while still being festive.

Conditions & Treatment

Dec 15, 2020

What Are the Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

More than 37,000 people have received the COVID-19 vaccine during the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine trials with no significant side effects.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Nov 30, 2020

How Are Vaccines Approved?

Learn about the many steps vaccine makers must follow before any vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine, is approved in the United States.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Nov 24, 2020

A Physician's Firsthand Experience Working the Frontlines During COVID-19

Dr. Jack Heidenreich Jr. shares his story of diagnosing one of the first COVID patients in Louisiana, catching the virus himself and seeing those close to him lose their battle to it.

By Jack W. Heidenreich, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Nov 18, 2020

Is it the Common Cold or Coronavirus?

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 corresponds with cold and flu season, which may leave you questioning if have the common cold, or something more serious.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Nov 4, 2020

COVID-19 Food Service Guidelines

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the way we used to dine out and food service guidelines.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 1, 2020

Is Sore Throat a Sign of Coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, also known as the coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms that develop with COVID-19 can vary. Could a sore throat be a sign of coronavirus?

By Norman Vince Hill, MD

Food & Fitness

Sep 10, 2020

Returning to Sports After COVID-19: Impacts on the Heart

We all know that physical activity increases your heart rate, but increasing your heart rate too high after COVID-19 can put a detrimental strain on your heart.

By David Leslie, DO

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

Is COVID-19 Impacting Minority Populations More?

Health experts are pushing for more research on the impact of coronavirus on children, especially those with racial inequities.

By William Lennarz, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Aug 21, 2020

Are My Symptoms from Stress or COVID-19?

Stress disrupts our immune systems and can cause you to experience a range of symptoms including headaches, stomach issues and fatigue.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Aug 14, 2020

Can COVID-19 Cause Strokes?

Richard Zweifler, MD, discusses with Cuong Bui, MD, what a stroke is, and the increased risk of one particular type of stroke from COVID-19.

By Cuong Bui, MD and Richard Zweifler, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Aug 8, 2020

What are the long-term effects of COVID-19?

Since the onset of COVID-19, millions of people have contracted the disease. While many have recovered, they still may face some long-term effects post recovery

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Aug 8, 2020

Is Vomiting a Sign of Coronavirus?

Some of the common symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath and, possibly, a sore throat. But according to the CDC, vomiting may be a symptom, too.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Aug 7, 2020

How Does COVID Affect the Nervous System?

Cuong Bui, MD, says, "The data is pretty clear that in a high percentage of patients, up to a third of patients with COVID will also have concurrent neurologic symptoms.''

Conditions & Treatment

Jul 28, 2020

Is Diarrhea a Sign of COVID-19?

We take a look at how COVID-19 can affect your gastrointestinal system.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Jul 24, 2020

Can Mosquitoes Give You Coronavirus?

Mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases, so it’s only natural that you may be wondering if mosquitoes can carry coronavirus.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Jul 21, 2020

What Do My COVID-19 Test Results Mean?

During this time of uncertainty, you may decide that getting tested is the right course of action.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Jul 21, 2020

How to Protect the Most Vulnerable in Shared Households

If you live in a small apartment or home during COVID-19, it is important to understand how to protect those in your home who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jul 9, 2020

Don't Delay! The Importance of Scheduling Surgeries

Procedures can have a serious impact on your health. If you've had to delay care, it is time to get back on track with your care so you can get back to doing the things you love.

By Jessica Gorham, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Jul 6, 2020

Why Wearing Face Masks Is Important

Face masks are absolutely necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the CDC recommends that anyone over the age of 2 wear one while in public settings.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jul 6, 2020

I've Been Exposed to COVID-19. What Should I Do?

Regardless of how you’re feeling, if you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, it’s extremely important to self-quarantine to protect others.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jun 29, 2020

COVID Insomnia - Yes, It's a Thing

Understand the causes of COVID-related insomnia and steps that can be taken for a more restful sleep as we move toward the new normal.

By Lauren Davis

Food & Fitness

Jun 26, 2020

Returning to Sports During the COVID-19 Pandemic

High school football workouts and other sports around the state have started to resume in limited capacity and with COVID-19-related restrictions.

By David Leslie, DO

Health Trends

Jun 26, 2020

How to Celebrate the 4th of July at Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we celebrate holidays and socialize.

By Norman Vince Hill, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jun 23, 2020

Social Distancing with Congenital Heart Disease

Every patient with congenital heart disease has different risk factors. It is important to discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor.

By Thomas W. Young, MD

Health Trends

Jun 18, 2020

Can You Catch Coronavirus from Swimming?

The CDC currently states that there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t potential risks.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Jun 16, 2020

Coronavirus and Pets

The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is very low. However, you should treat pets like you would any other human family member and follow certain guidelines.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Food & Fitness

Jun 16, 2020

Returning to the Gym after COVID-19

Here at Ochsner Fitness Center, we are working hard to ensure that you will be safe while you work out.

Health Trends

Jun 15, 2020

What to do if you have COVID-19, but are asymptomatic

If you’ve tested positive for coronavirus, but you aren’t experiencing symptoms you may be asymptomatic. There are a few things you should know if you’re asymptomatic with COVID-19.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Food & Fitness

Jun 12, 2020

Scheduling Orthopedic Appointments Post Covid-19

While it’s normal to feel apprehensive about returning to the hospital, rest assured that we are taking all precautions to keep you safe.

By George Chimento, MD

Health Trends

Jun 5, 2020

What Is Antibody Testing?

Antibody testing is one way that we can help improve our knowledge of COVID-19. Specifically, this testing may help us either identify the true number of people who have been exposed to the coronavirus or give us a better estimation of those affected which may help in the development of new strategies to fight the virus.

Conditions & Treatment

May 31, 2020

Is Pink Eye a COVID Symptom?

Currently there is very little evidence that pink eye is a consistent symptom of the coronavirus.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

May 25, 2020

30-Day Guide to Child Development During Quarantine: Week 6

The Boh Center of Child Development at Ochsner is here to provide daily activities that are engaging, educational and promote child development.

Conditions & Treatment

May 24, 2020

Life After COVID-19 for Medical Providers

As healthcare providers serving on the front lines of the pandemic, many of us are wondering what life will be like when the country starts to reopen.

By Nigel Girgrah, MD, Ph.D

Health Trends

May 22, 2020

Summer Safety for your Kids and COVID-19

School is out for the summer and distance learning is over! You may be wondering what summer activities are safe for your family in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and how you can best protect your children.

By Suchita Desai, DO

Health Trends

May 22, 2020

Preparing Kids for a Post-Quarantine Life

As daycares, parks and camps reopen, it is important to prepare your child to set them up for an easy transition.

Conditions & Treatment

May 21, 2020

Coronavirus and contacts: Should you stop wearing them?

If you wear contact lenses, you may want to consider extra precautions in order to maintain eye health.

By Jeanne K. Herman, OD

Conditions & Treatment

May 20, 2020

COVID-19 Patient's Road to Recovery

Occupational therapist Lauren Siegel shares Ochsner patient Wanda Chatman's story of her road to recovery from COVID-19.

By Lauren Siegel, OT

Prevention & Wellness

May 18, 2020

A 30-Day Guide to Child Development During Quarantine: Week 5

The Boh Center of Child Development at Ochsner is here to provide daily activities that are engaging, educational and promote child development.l

Prevention & Wellness

May 15, 2020

Why Am I Having Weird Dreams Right Now?

Dr. Amy Meoli, Director of Sleep Medicine, explains what may be causing your dreams to feel more vivid during the coronavirus shutdown.

Health Trends

May 13, 2020

Risk of Delaying Care: Is it Better to Wait or Make an Appointment Now?

As we slowly see a return to normal life you may be wondering if it’s better to reschedule your appointments or hold off until life settles down a bit more.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

May 13, 2020

When is it safe to return to normal after a COVID-19 diagnosis?

If you were diagnosed with COVID-19 and were directed to treat the virus at home, you may be wondering when it’s safe to stop quarantine and return to normal life.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

May 12, 2020

COVID-19 Caretaker Spotlight: Laboratory Professionals

When the number of cases of COVID-19 rose, the team of medical lab professionals at Ochsner Health rose to the challenge to increase testing capacity.

By Luke Caruso

Prevention & Wellness

May 11, 2020

A 30-Day Guide to Child Development During Quarantine: Week 4

The Boh Center of Child Development at Ochsner is here to provide daily activities that are engaging, educational and promote child development.

Food & Fitness

May 5, 2020

Eating to Maintain a Healthy Weight During COVID-19

Use this guide to avoid emotional eating and stress cravings while quarantining and get tips on maintaining a healthy weight during coronavirus.

Prevention & Wellness

May 4, 2020

A 30-Day Guide to Child Development During Quarantine: Week 3

The Boh Center of Child Development at Ochsner is here to provide daily activities that are engaging, educational and promote child development.

Conditions & Treatment

May 3, 2020

During a Pandemic: Mental Health Before & After a Transplant

Going through your transplant journey during a pandemic can feel both scary and overwhelming.

By Surveen Klein, LCSW-BACS, MPH

Conditions & Treatment

Apr 29, 2020

COVID-19 Caretaker Spotlight: Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists carry out life-saving measures for breathing functions, a critical challenge in the fight against COVID-19.

By Jacqueline Odom

Food & Fitness

Apr 28, 2020

Gaining Weight at Home? Tips to Avoid the Quarantine Fifteen

If coronavirus-related stress is getting you down, don’t turn to snacks for a quick fix. There are more effective ways to feel better.

Conditions & Treatment

Apr 28, 2020

Sickle Cell Disease and COVID-19: Advice for Patients

People with sickle cell disease may have compromised immune systems, making them more at risk to infections. Other respiratory viruses are already known to have a potentially severe affect on sickle cell patients as they can potentially lead to acute chest syndrome, which can be a life-threatening medical emergency.

By Corey Falcon, MD

Food & Fitness

Apr 28, 2020

Eating to Manage Asthma During COVID-19

Making changes in your diet can improve your overall health and may help reduce or control your asthma symptoms during coronavirus and beyond.

Parenting

Apr 27, 2020

How to Celebrate Your Baby Shower During Quarantine

It’s important to make memories and honor a friend or loved one who is expecting a baby.

Prevention & Wellness

Apr 27, 2020

A 30-Day Guide to Child Development During Quarantine: Week 2

The Boh Center of Child Development at Ochsner is here to provide daily activities that are engaging, educational and promote child development.

Prevention & Wellness

Apr 27, 2020

Subtle Life Changes to Support Social Distancing

Suggestions for managing the new normal of social distancing as we work to flatten the coronavirus curve.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Apr 21, 2020

How to Recover from Hospitalization for Coronavirus

Occupational Therapist Lauren Siegel shares tips on how to cope with recovery for caregivers and patients after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

By Lauren Siegel, OT

Prevention & Wellness

Apr 20, 2020

A 30-Day Guide to Child Development During Quarantine: Week 1

The Boh Center of Child Development at Ochsner is here to provide daily activities that are engaging, educational and promote child development.

Health Trends

Apr 20, 2020

Find Your Perfect Quarantine Hobby

Use this time to find a new hobby, enhance a skill or knock things off your to-do list. Find out which quarantine activity to try based on your zodiac sign.

Health Trends

Apr 19, 2020

First Aid for Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19

Psychological First Aid or PFA is a term first used by mental health experts after World War II in reference to a set of techniques to bolster mental resilience in the face of difficult events.

Health Trends

Apr 17, 2020

How to Celebrate Birthdays During Quarantine

Celebrating events like birthdays can help us find moments of joy and normalcy during the COVID-19 crisis. Here are ways to make this day special from afar.

Health Trends

Apr 16, 2020

How to Celebrate Graduation in Quarantine

Graduation during the COVID-19 crisis will look different than normal, but here are some ways to ensure your grad feels celebrated during this time.

Conditions & Treatment

Apr 14, 2020

Mental Health Tips for Cancer Patients during Coronavirus

For some patients, the virus can seem like another setback toward focusing on your health and mental well-being.

By Tracey N. Murry, PhD

Conditions & Treatment

Apr 14, 2020

COVID-19 and Obesity: What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one has underlying health conditions, including obesity, you may be especially worried about coronavirus (COVID-19).

By Steven J. Granier, MD

Health Trends

Apr 7, 2020

How to Celebrate Easter During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 outbreak, this Easter might be a little different. Here are some activities to make it easy to still enjoy Easter with your loved ones.

Conditions & Treatment

Apr 7, 2020

Shortness of Breath and Coronavirus

If you have shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, the thought of having coronavirus (COVID-19) may cross your mind.

Mental Health

Apr 6, 2020

9 Strategies to Deal with Coronavirus Anxiety

We’re all experiencing coronavirus anxiety to some degree. Here are some ways to counter it and become a healthier, more positive version of ourselves.

By Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD

Mental Health

Apr 5, 2020

Surviving a Quarantine as a Couple

Strategies for couples to manage the unlimited “us” time and make it through the quarantine stronger than ever.

Health Trends

Mar 27, 2020

Staying Connected with the Elderly During COVID-19

During this time of self-isolation and social distancing, it's important to find ways to stay connected to the older generation.

By Michael Sewell, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 26, 2020

Coronavirus Information for Heart Patients

What experts have observed concerning the coronavirus and heart disease patients including risk, symptoms, and what to do if you think you may have the virus.

By Sammy Khatib, MD

Health Trends

Mar 25, 2020

How to Deal with Financial Stress

What starts as financial stress can turn into poor mental and physical health or unhealthy coping strategies. Here are some ways to manage the anxiety.

Health Trends

Mar 25, 2020

21 Acts of Kindness You Can Do From Home

Incorporating acts of kindness into your life can help others and boost your mood. Here are some options for acts of kindness you can do without leaving home.

Mental Health

Mar 25, 2020

Nine Alternative Strategies to Coping With the Self-Quarantine

Is self-quarantine life starting to drive you crazy? As tempting as it might be, drop that snack cake and pass up on that glass of wine. There are many ways to cope with the stress and anxiety that comes along with developing cabin fever.

By Dean A. Hickman, MD

Mental Health

Mar 24, 2020

Quarantined with Kids: 10 Tips to Balance Family and Work

Balancing family, work and schooling during a quarantine can feel overwhelming. Here's what you can do to make navigating this new reality a bit easier.

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 24, 2020

Coronavirus Fact vs. Fiction

With different reports coming out every day on coronavirus (COVID-19), it is easy to be confused by myths. Here are seven common myths surrounding COVID-19.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 23, 2020

Coronavirus Advice for Cancer Patients

With the concerns about transmission of COVID-19, we aim to deliver the best cancer care while asking you to physically be at one of our facilities only when it is necessary: procedures/surgeries to diagnose or fight your cancer, radiation treatments, imaging studies or lab tests that will help plan or determine response to treatments.

Prevention & Wellness

Mar 20, 2020

Let's Take The Self-Quarantine Seriously

By now you probably have heard the phrase “the new normal.” How do you adjust?

By Dean A. Hickman, MD

Health Trends

Mar 20, 2020

How to Prevent Coronavirus in Your Workplace

If you can’t self-isolate, there are still ways you can protect yourself from the spread of germs in the workplace.

By Jefferson G. Bohan, PharmD, BCPS

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 20, 2020

Why Is It Called Coronavirus?

Understanding the roots of the coronavirus name, as well as why it is often referred to by two names: coronavirus and COVID-19.

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 20, 2020

Coronavirus: What to Do if You are an Expecting or New Mom

Pregnant women should remain cautious of the spread of coronavirus since not much is known about how it affects pregnant women and young children.

By Joseph Biggio, MD and Jefferson G. Bohan, PharmD, BCPS

Health Trends

Mar 19, 2020

Alternatives to Shaking Hands

With coronavirus circulating in our communities, social distancing is recommended. Here are a few alternative greetings to avoid getting up close and personal.

By Jefferson G. Bohan, PharmD, BCPS

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 17, 2020

Coronavirus: Helping Children Deal with Anxiety

Here are a few behaviors that children may display when they are anxious, and strategies to help parents support their children during this time.

Health Trends

Mar 17, 2020

Hobbies to Take Up During Quarantine

Going into quarantine doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, nor does it mean you have to lose contact with the world. Consider picking up one of these hobbies.

By Dean A. Hickman, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 12, 2020

How Social Distancing Can Help Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus

As cases of coronavirus in the United States spread, recent precautions from the CDC urged people to consider social distancing to prevent the spread of infection.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Mar 10, 2020

Is It Safe to Travel with the Coronavirus Outbreak?

If you have travel plans during the COVID-19 outbreak, there are a few things you need to know.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 9, 2020

How to Talk to Your Child About Coronavirus

As talk of the coronavirus grows, parents should be mindful that this can seem a bit scary for kids. Here are a few ways to prepare them and ease their anxiety.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Food & Fitness

Mar 9, 2020

7 Tips for Eating Healthy During a Coronavirus Quarantine

If you’re quarantined at home, it’s important to eat healthy foods. You can get creative if you’re feeling well. Keep it simple if you’re not.

By Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD