North Oaks Community Newsletter Volume 14 | Number 2

Volume 14 | Number 2 | second Quarter 2012 | www.northoaks.org

Sports and summer activities demand protection of joints and skin, but what about the less obvious damage that can happen to the eyes?(Continued on page 2)

Your Vision

insidethis issueTips to Manage Exam Anxiety 4Do You Have Arthritis? 5 • My Name is Brett. I have OCD. 6The Face of Stroke is Changing 8 • Healthy Habits of Dr. Leal 10Lab Automation “Fast Tracks” Test Results for Patients 11Don’t Shake–Take a BreakTM 12 • Less-invasive Treatment for Aneurysms 13Community Scrapbook 14 • Calendar of Events 15

Take Stepsto Protect

TheEyesHave It

Have It

TheEyesTake Steps to

Protect Your Vision

By OphthalmologistDaniel Dodson, MD,

North Oaks Eye Care Clinic

Since leisure activities take place outdoors during the summertime, it is especially important to protect vision from injury and the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation may increase the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and growths on the eye, including cancer.

Protect your eyes from the sun by following these simple tips:• Wear sunglasses, and introduce this habit to

your children as early as possible. Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

• Choose sunglass styles that wrap all the way around your temples so the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side.

• Wear a hat in addition to your sunglasses. Broad-brimmed styles provide the best protection for your eyes.

• Don’t be fooled by clouds: the sun’s rays can pass through the haze of a gloomy day.

• Never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy, which is damage to the eye’s retina caused by exposure to solar radiation.

• Take special care at peak sun times. It’s best to avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

• Sun damage to eyes can occur any time during the year, not just in the summertime—so be sure to wear sunglasses when you’re outside.

Dr. Dodson checks a patient’seyes for possible signs of UV damage.

2 NorTH oakS CommuNITY NewSleTTer | Vol. 14 | No. 2 | SeCoNd QuarTer 2012

www.NorTHoakS.org 3

Extra details on the topics covered in this

newsletter are now at your fingertips!

Use your camera-enabled smart phone to scan the QR

(Quick Response) codes found throughout this newsletter,

and link directly to additional digital content on the North

Oaks Health System website.

To get started using QR codes, search for code readers available through the iPhone App Store or on the Android Market/Google Play. Once

you have downloaded the reader, the app will allow you to take a picture of any QR code, and you immediately

will be directed to a webpage with additional information

associated with the topic.

Enjoy!

Sports enthusiasts must take special care to protect their eyes from injury. It’s estimated that 90% of eye injuries are preventable. Choose eye protection that meets the American Society of Testing and Materials (www.astm.org) standards or that passes the Canadian Standards Association (www.csa.ca) raquet sports standard to fully protect your vision.

Can you guess the number one cause of sports-related eye injuries? Here’s a hint: The U.S. Eye Injury Registry warns that activities or games involving projectiles and other sharp objects pose greater risk of eye injury.“Catch” the answer on page 14!

QRCode

101an Introduction

Scan here with your smart phone or visit www.northoaks.org/eyesafety to get more tips to protect your vision from Dr. Daniel Dodson.

Sun exposure isn’tthe only danger.

do You Have arthritis?

“Whether children are in elementary

school taking standardized tests, in

high school taking the ACT to prepare

for college admission, or are young

adults facing their first college final

exams, there are practical things they

can do to prepare for success.”

Exam

do:• Visit the restroom 15 minutes prior to

the start of the test.• Actively listen to any verbal instructions

provided.• Quietly and occasionally change body

positions during the test.• For extra energy, eat a small handful of

raisins and nuts (if allowed).• Practice positive self-talk when faced

with any challenge: “I’m safe. I’m calm. I can handle this. I will do my best!”

• Work on the easiest test portions first (if possible).

• Breathe effectively to keep your brain relaxed.

It’s the end of the school year, and students (and their parents) are beginning to feel the stress associated with taking tests.

Exam anxiety can happen before or during a test. “Familiarity and relaxation go hand-in-hand,” says Dr. Michelle Barnum,

psychiatrist with New Leaf Psychiatry & Counseling Center. “Adequate preparation, as well as understanding the test taking conditions will help students relax as much as possible.” She recommends these easy strategies to calm pre-test jitters and help manage anxious feelings.

anxiety

Dr. Barnum also notes that good nutrition and health habits play vital roles in preparing students to take exams. Encourage students to take time to rest, eat healthy and have some fun to increase their productivity and performance when exam time comes.

don’t:• Arrive too early or late.• Forget to breathe properly during

the test.“Good air in, bad air out.”• Cram.• Stay up late studying the night

before. You need your sleep to do your best!

Scan here or visit www.northoaks.org/deepbreathing to watch a demonstration of deep breathing exercises–one of the best ways to lower stress levels!

By North OaksContributing WriterTaylor ThorntonTips to

manage


Michelle Barnum, MDPsychiatristNew Leaf Psychiatry &Counseling Center

Will i get intoa good school?

DiD i stuDy enough?Am i going to pAss?

What if i forget everything i knoW? DiD i sleep enough? What if my pencil breaks?

do You Have arthritis?

www.NorTHoakS.org 5

gouTGout is a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acidthat crystallizes in the joints. Painful and visible swelling develops and may “flare up” periodically. A diet rich in organ meats, anchovies, shellfish, bacon, gravies with little to no dairy, or excessive alcohol use can causeflare ups.

The first symptom of gout is excruciating pain and swelling in the big toe following an illness or injury. Subsequent attacks may occur off and on in other joints, primarily those of the foot and knee, before becoming chronic. In its chronic stage, gout can affect many joints, including those of the hands.

Gout is one of the most controllable forms of arthritis.A rheumatologist can help by prescribing medications to lower uric acid levels and recommending diet changes.

By Carl Gauthier, MDNorth Oaks Rheumatology Clinic

& North Oaks Multispecialty Group

Scan here with your smart phone or visitwww.northoaks.org/pace for a demonstration of PACE at North Oaks Aquatic Center.The Arthritis Foundation endorses the PACE water exercise program as a way to reduce joint stress and decrease pain.

If you or a family member is suffering with joint pain or swelling, see a physician. Call today to make an appointment with Dr. Gauthier at North Oaks Rheumatology Clinic in Hammond at (985) 230-1835 or at North Oaks Multispecialty Group in Livingston at (225) 686-4960.

Arthritis Pain Affects 1 in 5 People.

Painfultingling.Swelling.

aches.all are symptoms

associated with arthritis.

Often thoughtof as a condition affecting the older population, younger adults and even children suffer from arthritis.

Alleviatethe Symptoms.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important in managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Proper posture and exercise, as well as eating a healthy diet, may relieve aches and pains. Physical and occupational therapy can help reduce pain and improve ability to perform routine tasks using appropriate exercise to regain strength and range of motion. Exercise to improve muscle strength and bulk can reduce symptoms too. A rheumatologist also may prescribe medications or suggest surgery in more severe stages of arthritis.

Of the more than 120 types of arthritis, the most common are:

oSTeoarTHrITISOsteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” type of arthritis associated most commonly with old age. Age and genetics are major factors that lead to this form of the disease. Trauma or overuse also may lead to disfigurement as well as swollen and painful joints.

rHeumaToId arTHrITISThe most crippling form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, is caused both by genetics and environmental factors, such as bacteria, viruses, female hormones or the body’s response to physical or emotional trauma. Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed through blood testing and symptoms. A rheumatologist can help detect the disease early and may prescribe medication and lifestyle adjustments to treat the symptoms.

My Nameis Brett.I ha ve ocd.


Desperate for relief from obsessive compulsive behavior and unwanted tics,Brett Riedlinger, a native of Laguna Niguel, California, traveled to North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond to have Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in October 2011.

–Brett Riedlinger, North Oaks Neurosurgery Clinic patient

“MY OCD affects me 24/7. It causes me to repeatedly turn lights on and off, open and close doors, etc. On top of that, I’m obsessed with doing all of this an

even amount of times, most often when using my left side of my body.

Nanette White Cally Berner

By

Contributing Writers

“There are many different things that my OCD causes me to do,but worst of all, it keeps me from falling asleep at night. I just can’t turn it off.”

Brett with Dr. Masel and Clinical Nurse Specialist Mary Haile.

“His OCD has chipped away at his quality of life over the years. Corrective DBS surgery gives him the chance he deserves to lead a happy, healthy, full life.”

Back at home in California, Brett is doing just that and seeing a California neurologist to have his wiring fine-tuned as needed.

For more information about DBS, OCD or other conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease or Tremor or Dystonia, also known as “Torticollis,” (involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal postures), contact your physician or North Oaks Neurosurgery Clinic. A physician referral may be required, and insurance plans may not cover some procedures.

When Brett was growing up, he had difficulty performing tasks

like reading and writing. “I would have to transcribe all of his

homework because his tics would repeatedly interrupt him.

What should take a student 1 hour to complete would take us

4 to 5 hours or longer.” –Cindy Riedlinger, Brett’s mother

Sources: www.tsa-usa.org; www.ninds.nih.gov; www.medtronic.com www.NorTHoakS.org 7

Scan here with your smart phone or visit www.northoaks.org/drmasel to get more information about Dr. David Masel’s practice and patient care philosophy.

Brett, 19, is diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). An anxiety disorder, OCD causes people to have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions). In addition, he also has been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by tics – involuntary, repetitive and sudden movements that can include vocal outbursts.

Since 1996, the Riedlinger family has been on a quest to find the right treatment for Brett. “The first symptoms of his condition were merely excessive eye-blinking and throat clearing, which then progressed to violent arm slinging and neck twisting. Over the years, Brett has been on almost 20 different medications to control his symptoms,” shares Cindy Riedlinger, Brett’s mother.

In 2006, Brett had a successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery performed by “DBS pioneer” Dr. Donald Richardson, a colleague of Dr. Masel.

Deep Brain Stimulation uses a surgically implanted medical device in the brain, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver mild electrical pulses to precisely targeted areas of the brain involved in motor control and muscle function.

Brett recalls, “After my (first successful) surgery, it was the first time in my life I had ever felt calmness within my body.”

Brett’s mother states, “For the next 2 years, he completed all schoolwork on his own. His self-esteem returned seeing the results of his own schoolwork. It really changed his life.”

In 2009, Brett experienced a return of his symptoms, and an X-ray revealed a broken wire from Brett’s original surgery.

After exhausting all possible medical treatments to address the return of symptoms, the Riedlinger family sought approval through their insurance company for Brett to receive DBS rewiring as “corrective surgery.” His procedure was part of a clinical trial overseen by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with OCD.

Fortunately, Brett’s story compelled the FDA’s Internal Review Board (made up of neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, neurologists, neurophysiologists, neuropsychologists and radiologists) to approve Brett for the clinical trial on the humanitarian grounds that it was necessary to improve his quality of life.

With approval secured, Dr. Richardson collaborated with Dr. Masel and Dr. Chris Kaofrom Vanderbilt University to perform Brett’s procedure at North Oaks Medical Center.

“Brett is a really unique young man,” explainsDr. Masel, who has been treating Parkinson’s and tremor patients with DBS for about10 years.

David L. Masel, MD,North Oaks Neurosurgery Clinic

By North OaksContributing WriterTracy Randazzo


ThefaCe

ofSTroke

iSchAnging.

more than 143,500 peopledie from stroke each year,

making it the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.Many others survive stroke, but suffer lingering difficulties

with movement, speech, memory and brain function.

When a stroke happens, it’s important to call 911 and get to a hospital quickly. Every minute counts.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving the brain tissue of oxygen. High blood pressure – also called hypertension – is the most important risk factor for stroke. Other risk factors include irregular heartbeat, smoking, diabetes and being overweight.

The good news is that drug therapies may lessen the damaging effects of strokes. However, patients must receive these drugs very soon after the onset of symptoms – making early recognition and treatment even more important. Intravenous recombinant tissue Plasminogin Activator (t-PA) is likely to be most effective if given within the first 3-4.5 hours after the onset of symptoms. Within the first 6 hours, patients may receive Intra-Arterial (IA) therapy.

a raceagainst Time:early Stroke Treatment Makes A Difference.

warningSigns Of STrOkeSudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech

Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden severe headache with no known cause

www.NorTHoakS.org 9

often thought of as affliction of the aged, between 1995 and 2008, there was a 30-37% increase in the stroke hospitalization rate for 15-44 year olds, according to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention.

Sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body is the most common sign that a stroke has occurred,” says Neurologist Patricio

S. Espinosa, MD. “Since time is of the essence, it is important to seek immediate emergency medical attention when a person suspects that he or she, or a loved one, may be having a stroke.

remember faSTas a screening tool to identify stroke’s warning signs:

faCeAsk the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

armsAsk the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SpeechAsk the person to repeat a simple phrase. is his or her speech slurred?

Timeif you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately!

“Healthyhabitsteachusdisciplineandroutine.

Whenthesehabitsbecomesecondnature,theymaypreventmanyillnessesdowntheroadandlead

toalonglife.”Dr. Christina Leal

North Oaks Family Medicine

Dr. Christina Leal is proof that setting small goals over time can add up to big results in achieving a healthy lifestyle – even with a busy schedule.

“I started out wanting to run a 5K, then a 10K, and then I set my sights on larger goals,” she shares. In addition to caring for patients at North Oaks Family Medicine in Hammond, she regularly races in regional and national marathons and triathlons. She has even competed in an Ironman event in Brazil.

To avoid becoming overwhelmed and make lifestyle changes stick,Dr. Leal recommends to her patients that they focus onone small change each week to achieve their goalsover time.

By North OaksContributing Writer

Amber Narro

HealthyofDr.ChristinaLeal

Scan here with your smart phone or visit www.northoaks.org/drleal to get more information about Dr. Christina Leal’s practice and patient care philosophy.

Habits

The


2.Slowlychangeeatinghabits. Start by eliminating soda–that can produce results quickly. Eat an apple to curb fast-food cravings, and increase your water intake to prevent overeating.

3.Prioritizeyourlifetolimitstress. Make to-do lists to stay organized and focused on what’s most important. And be sure to find time for what relaxes you!

Remember to talk to a health care provider before making any major changes in medications, diet or exercise.

1.Exercise. Do something you enjoy, and make it fun. Take someone along, and start off easy. If you don’t like lifting weights, don’t lift weights, and try something else. There are plenty of exercise options out there.

Dr.Lealshareshertopthreepersonalstrategiestohelpinspirewellnessgoals.

Dr. Christina Leal competed in the Louisiana ½ Marathon held in January 2012.

www.NorTHoakS.org 11

By North OaksContributing Writer

Amber Narro

“New technology makes us more efficient,

and more efficiency means an even better

experience for patients and physicians.”—Michele Sutton, North Oaks Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer

North Oaks Medical Center is the first hospital on the Northshore and I-12 growth corridor to automate its laboratory for rapid, secure processing of results for specimens drawn in the hospital or clinic setting.

A $1.1 million community investment, the robotic lab train uses bar codes to link specimens to the proper patient, rapidly process requested lab tests and report results to the appropriate physician.

Lab personnel start the process by loading each specimen into the system after collection. Each test tube’s bar code is scanned to confirm the patient and determine what test type(s) have been ordered. Next, the samples are transported along the system’s track to the appropriate pod(s) for processing of results. If

more tests are needed during a patient’s hospital stay, specimens can be quickly retrieved from the system’s storage area, eliminating additional “sticks” for the patient.

“Our fully computerized, automated lab system brings patient safety and quality to a new level,” explains Jackie Williams, director of North Oaks Department of Laboratories. “This is achieved through the elimination of many manual steps previously needed to process lab results and the use of bar code technology to be sure that correct tests are run for the correct patient. We are able to process and report lab results to physicians more quickly so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be determined.”

Next onthe Horizonwalk-In Clinic in Ponchatoulamay 7, 2012Walk-in medical care is coming to 530 W. Pine Street in Ponchatoula! Physicians will provide treatment without appointments for most illnesses and minor injuries for infants (age 3 months+) to senior adults. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. North Oaks also has Walk-In Clinics in Hammond, Livingston and Walker.

Hospital expansionSeptember 2012For your privacy and convenience, North Oaks is investing $55 million to add 65 single occupancy patient rooms, 14 high-tech operating rooms, 12 outpatient surgery beds, a surgical ICU and more to the Northshore’s largest community hospital.

er expansiondecember 2012To minimize wait times in the state’s 3rd busiest Emergency Room, North Oaks is making a $9.3 million community investment to add 16 new ER treatment areas. The hospital cafeteria and kitchen also will be renovated to accommodate the nutritional needs of more patients and visitors.

electronic Health recordsmarch 2013Online and secure patient medical records, appointments scheduling, account and medication refill management and more will soon be a “click away.” North Oaks has invested $40 million and partnered with leading health care technology firm Epic to put Electronic Health Record technology into practice at all clinics and hospitals owned by the health system.

Scan here with your smart phone or visit www.northoaks.org/labautomation to watch a video of how lab automation works.

Lab automation“fast Tracks”

test Results for Patients


His vital organs were sustaining life, but he was deaf, blind and couldn’t eat normally. He couldn’t talk, walk, roll over, or use the restroom on his own.

Rey was a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).

SBS results from violent shaking or trauma to the head of an infant or small child. It is a crime punishable by law. Shaking infants or toddlers can lead to serious brain injuries and even death. It is estimated that 25% of SBS victims, like Rey, die as a result of their injuries. Those who survive suffer permanent disabilities, including severe brain damage, blindness, learning problems, seizure disorders and cerebral palsy.

New parent households with no previous history of abuse account for 80% of SBS incidents. The most common trigger is excessive crying.

In an effort to prevent this form of child abuse, Child Advocacy Services (CAS) and North Oaks Health System are promoting an ongoing awareness campaign, “SBS: 101.” North Oaks gives expectant and new parents a “Don’t Shake – Take a Break! ™” SBS prevention card and magnet developed by CAS. The materials contain information on the triggers, consequences and symptoms of SBS, as well as safe ways to cope with a crying baby.

“I was deeply affected by the impact that shaking had on Rey Rey,” explains Tara Peltier, a Court-Appointed Special Advocate volunteer who was Rey’s caseworker. “I felt I owed it to Rey to try to keep this from happening to other babies. Parents and child care providers need to understand that it’s OK to step away from a crying child when it gets to be too frustrating.”

Take a

Child Advocacy Services and North Oaks team members gather to launch the SBS: 101 awareness and prevention campaign. From left are: North Oaks Women & Children’s Services Coordinator Kim Woods, Assistant Vice President of Clinics Sean Casteel and Women & Children’s Services Director Kirsten Constantino; Child Advocacy Services (CAS) CEO Rob Carlisle; North Oaks Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Joe Binder; CAS Director of Clinical Services Joelle Henderson; and North Oaks NICU Staff Nurse Rachael Perrin.

By North OaksContributing WriterMelanie Zaffuto

For a link to SBS: 101, scan here with your smart phone or visit www.northoaks.org/sbs101.

For more information on ways to protect children from SBS and other forms of abuse, call Child Advocacy Services at (800) 798-1575 or visit www.dontshake.org or www.childadv.net.

doN’TSHakedoN’TSHakedoN’T

SHake Until Rey Wayne Gatlin’s passing at age 9, his daily life was far from ordinary.

Break!™

www.NorTHoakS.org 13

about 1 in 1,000 adults, ages 60-65, are affected by abdominal aortic aneurysm

(aaa), and risk increases with age.

North Oaks Usesless-invasiveTreatment for

aneurysms

To determine your risk for AAA or TAA, talk to your primary care physician. If you do not have a primary care physician, scan here with your smart phone or visit www.northoaks.org/docs to find a physician.

The cardiovascular teamuses an endograft, a flexible, fabric-covered metal stent similar to the one above, when an aneurysm is detected to prevent it from growing or rupturing.

This past February, 85 people were screened for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), a potentially deadly condition, at North Oaks Health System’s annual “Change of Heart Expos.”

An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. If an aneurysm ruptures or breaks, it can be a life-threatening emergency.

When AAA is detected, the seasoned cardiovascular team of health care professionals at North Oaks Medical Center may use a less-invasive form of treatment called an endograft.

An endograft is a flexible, fabric-covered metal stent (think a mesh tube) inserted into the aneurysm to prevent it from growing and rupturing, which could be deadly. The endograft is custom-fit for individuals depending on the size of the aneurysm.

Amber Narro Kay Kearney

From Staff Reports by

Contributing Writers

“Before advances in endograft technology, aneurysm treatment meant bypass surgery for many patients. Endografts require a small incision to insert the stent and may result in a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery.”

—Charles J. DiCorte, MDNorth Oaks Heart Health Services Surgical

Director and Cardiovascular Surgeon

About 1 in 1,000 adults, ages 60-65, are affected by AAA, and risk increases with age. Symptoms can include abdominal or back pain. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (TAA) are less common, but also can be treated with an endograft. TAA symptoms include continuous pain between the shoulders or upper abdomen.

“Most patients come in with severe back pain,” says Trudy Kyzar, RN, Cardiovascular Team Leader. “But some people experience no symptoms at all, so it’s important to talk to a physician to assess your risk of AAA or TAA. Aneurysms are often detected when patients are seeking diagnosis for related symptoms.”

“North Oaks Heart Health Services has a team that specializes in cardiovascular procedures and is on call 24 hours a day,” explainsTeam Leader Barbara Gibbons, LPN.

A CT scan will detect the presence of the aneurysm and allows physicians to accurately size the endograft. A cardiovascular surgeon will perform the less-invasive endograft procedure, and the patient will stay overnight for monitoring. In most cases, patients are discharged in only 1 or 2 days.

Physicians have a choice of where to practice.

Steven M. Youngblood, MDHospital MedicineNorth Oaks Medical Center(985) 230-3066

Ghulam M. Arain, MDHospital MedicineNorth Oaks Medical Center(985) 230-3066

Marco A. Ruiz, MDInfectious DiseaseNorth Oaks Medical Center(985) 230-3066

Leonard C. Treanor, MDFamily MedicineInternal MedicineClinic of Tangipahoa(985) 542-6251

Jaime M. Edwards, MDGynecology and ObstetricsMagnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology(985) 230-7650

answer to eye SafetyTrivia Question on Page 3:

Fishing is the number one cause ofsports-related eye injuries, according to the

U.S. Eye Injury Registry.


Physicians have a choice in practice locations. We are delighted that these physicians

have chosen North Oaks Health System.Join us in welcoming them to our region.

Daniel J. Dodson, MDOphthalmologyNorth Oaks Eye Care Clinic(985) 230-3937

Ali H. Reza, MDCardiologyHeart Clinic of Hammond(985) 974-9278

Ryan E. Wall, MDAnesthesiologyNorth Oaks Medical Center(985) 345-2700

Take the Shuttle For your convenience,North Oaks Medical Center now offers a complimentary Parking Lot Courtesy Shuttle. The shuttle makes stops at all facility entrances, the parking garage and major parking lots on campus approximately every 8 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to8 p.m. on weekdays.

Matters of the Heart SonographerWendi Decoteau scans Annette Storey of Walker for carotid artery disease during the 2nd annual Change of Heart Expo at the North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex on Feb. 25. Nearly 200 adults were screened for heart disease. Expos were held in Hammond and Satsuma in observance of American Heart Month.

Dietetic Interns Dish Up Nutrition North Oaks Dietetic Interns Ali Joffrion, Lindsay Faulk, Hannah Palmer, Kristin West, Elly Wilson and Leah Dubret host a complimentary “Plan Your Plate” cooking demo on March 9 at Alack Culinary Equipment & Supply in Hammond in celebration of National Nutrition Month.

First Aid Offered at Blue Run North Oaks Health System provided first aid, fielded teams and served as presenting sponsor for the Child Advocacy Services Blue Run in Hammond on March 31.

Full Court First Aid and SponsorNorth Oaks staff members volunteer at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Girls and Boys Basketball Semifinals held March 1-3 in Hammond. North Oaks also provided sports medicine and first aid.

New North Oaks Clinic Building OpensOn Jan. 26, more than 200 guests celebrated the grand opening of an 82,000-square-foot, 4-story Clinic Building on the North Oaks Medical Center campus in Hammond. More than 20 primary care physicians and specialists practice in the new facility.

Scan above with your smart phone or visit www.northoaks.org/clinicbuilding for a link to a video of the program and listing of physicians who practice in the building.

Scan here with your smart phone or visit www.northoaks.org/planyourplate for a link to the recipes.

Call (985) 230-7777 or (225) 686-4899 to register for Community Education classes and Car Seat Fittings.For a full description of classes and support group meetings, go to www.northoaks.org.

All classes, meetings and special events are complimentary unless otherwise specified.

Support Group MeetingsConnection Peer Support Group(National Alliance on Mental Illness) May 14, June 11, July 9: 6:30 p.m.

Diabetes Support Group“Cooking for One – A Challenge”:June 5: 6 p.m.Topic to be Announced: July 10 at 3 p.m.

Family-to-Family Support Group(National Alliance on Mental Illness)May 17, June 21, July 18: 6:30 p.m.

Families Touching Families—Filling the GapMay 12, 26; June 9, 23; July 14, 28: 10 a.m.

Group Living with Affective Disorders Support GroupMay 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18, 25;July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: 6 p.m.

Northlake Area Transplant Support Group June 7: 7 p.m.

Tighten Up Support Group May 14, June 11 and July 9: 5:30 p.m.

Note: If you have bereavement support needs or questions, please call North Oaks Hospice at (985) 230-7620 for information on available community resources.

Classes for Families & ChildrenBody Beautiful I Class: Puberty for Girls June 5, July 25: 6 p.m.

Body Beautiful II: Self-esteem/Peer Pressure June 19: 6 p.m.

Breastfeeding ClassMay 10, July 12: 6 p.m.

Car Seat Fitting StationJune 7, July 12: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.(Appointments every 30 minutes)

Prenatal I Class: Families under Construction July 10: 6 p.m.

Prenatal II Class: Labor & DeliveryMay 8, July 17: 6 p.m.

Prenatal III Class: Relaxation Techniques May 15, July 24: 6 p.m.

Prenatal IV Class: Infant Care (& Tour)May 22, July 31: 6 p.m.

Prenatal V Class: American Heart Association CPR for Family & Friends—$5 May 29: 6 p.m.

Prepared Childbirth—$40June 16: 9 a.m.

Something for Siblings ClassMay 24, July 19: 5 p.m.

*The American Heart Association (AHA) strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the AHA. Any fees charged for such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA course materials, do not represent income to the association.

Special EventsBingo & Beauty LuncheonMay 19: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.Join us for the 1st annual “How to Win at Wellness: Bingo & Beauty” event. Bring your mom, daughter, sister or girlfriend for a healthy day out and play to win! Learn about women’s wellness issues that interest you! Plus enjoy a refreshing spring lunch, mocktails, bingo for door prizes, a photo booth, a garden plant sale, complimentary beauty products and more! Space is limited. Make a reservation atwww.northoaks.org/bingo or by calling(225) 686-4885. Also, be sure to email your wellness questions to [email protected] to have our health care professionals address what interests you during the event!

Super Sitter Babysitting Class: June 6, 20 & 27; July 11, 18 & 25: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Participants ages 10 to 14 will practice basic infant care, first aid techniques, CPR and choking intervention for infants and children in this 1-day class.

“Look Good…Feel Better” Presentation for Women in Cancer Treatment:July 16: 6-8 p.m.Look Good…Feel Better is a dinner program sponsored by North Oaks Health System and American Cancer Society to enhance the self-image of women living with cancer. The program offers free makeovers and a take-home cosmetic kit, as well as practical, personalized advice about make-up and skin care, wig selection and upkeep, and creative ways to use scarves, hats and turbans. Please call North Oaks Outpatient Infusion Therapy at(985) 230-1660 to register.

CPR & First Aid Classes*• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR—$30 (for medical professionals) May 9, June 13, July 11: 5 p.m.• American Heart Association Heartsaver AED CPR Class—$20 (for the layperson) May 17, June 28, July 26: 5 p.m.• American Heart Association First Aid Class—$30 May 17: 5 p.m. www.NorTHoakS.org 15

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Volume 14 • Number 2 | Second Quarter 2012North Oaks Health System15770 Paul Vega, MD, Drive | Hammond, LA 70403Phone: (985) 230-6647 | Fax: (985) [email protected] | Public Information Line: (985) 230-INFO

CommUnity is printed and published by North Oaks Health System with the leadership of the North Oaks Board of Commissioners.

The information in this newsletter is meant to complement the advice of your health care providers, not to replace it. Before making any major changes in your medications, diet or exercise, talk to your health care provider.

With a focus on our patients, community and one another,North Oaks Health System is dedicated to promoting wellness, restoring health and providing comfort.©2012 North Oaks Health System

n ExceptionalPhysicians InYourCommunity• Walk-In Clinic • Primary Care Clinic• General Surgery • Orthopaedic Specialty Center• Cardiology • Rheumatology• ENT • OBGYN• New Leaf Psychiatry & Counseling Center

No appointment necessary to see our Walk-In physicians!

n AdvancedDiagnostics | ExperiencedTechnologistsAdvanced equipment and experienced health care providers make diagnostic testing convenient and efficient for you. An on-site lab is available for necessary blood work.

n ProgressiveRehabilitation | ExperiencedTherapists Physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as audiology services and sports medicine are available.

Convenient, high-quality and comprehensive health care.

Call (225) 686-4986 to schedule your appointment or procedure.

You are the reason we’re here.

The North Oaks–Livingston Parish Medical Complex

17199 Spring Ranch Road (I-12 at Satsuma Exit) • Livingston www.northoaks.org/livingston

Scan here with your smart phone or visit www.northoaks.org/lpmctv to watch a commercial about the North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex.

Documents

North Oaks Community Newsletter Volume 14 | Number 2