Ochsner Lafayette General

02/20/2026

This , we are spotlighting vascular health and its role in preventing heart attack and stroke.

Joshua Sibille, MD, a vascular surgeon at Ochsner Health Center – Southern Vascular, cares for patients with vascular disease, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which shares many of the same risk factors as heart disease.

"I chose vascular surgery because of the wide breadth of cases and disease processes we can treat. It is also rewarding to see an immediate improvement in someone’s symptoms after a procedure and to follow patients until their leg pain is completely resolved."

Heart problems and vascular problems often coexist. Lifestyle changes such as improving diet and exercise, managing diabetes and cholesterol, and quitting smoking can improve vascular health and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

“Taking care of your overall vascular health benefits overall cardiovascular care. Stopping smoking, controlling diabetes, improving diet, and taking overall care of the vascular system not only benefits vascular health, but lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.”

Learn more about Dr. Sibille by visiting https://ow.ly/KSQW50Yhf8V.

02/19/2026

Heart health is becoming an increasingly important topic for younger adults.

In this month's Patients First, Reshma Bhanushali, MD, shares why it's important to focus on heart health at a younger age.

02/13/2026

Join us for a free prenatal education class at Ochsner American Legion Hospital! We are offering both in-person and Zoom options.

• When: Friday, March 6
• Where: Ochsner American Legion Hospital Medical Office Board Room, 1634 Elton Road,
Jennings, La.
• Time: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Topics discussed will include what to expect during your hospital stay, breastfeeding and postpartum care.

For more information or to register, text 337-246-9013 or call 337-616-7188.

02/12/2026

Ochsner Lafayette General is proud to partner with the Louisiana Department of Health as an inaugural Project M.O.M. catalyst site.

Project M.O.M., which stands for Maternal Overdose Mortality, supports mothers affected by substance use disorder with compassionate, coordinated care. The goal of Project M.O.M. is simple: to keep women alive and families intact.

Through this initiative, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Ochsner American Legion Hospital are strengthening the support available to moms before, during and after pregnancy. By connecting women to medical care, navigation and community resources, we are helping close gaps in care and improve the health of their families.
“We are proud to partner with the Louisiana Department of Health and serve as catalyst sites for Project M.O.M.,” said Patrick Gandy, chief executive officer, Ochsner Lafayette General. “Project M.O.M. strengthens the important work our teams are already doing to support moms facing substance use challenges with compassion and respect. Every mother deserves care, dignity and the opportunity to build a healthy future for her family, and by bringing together medical care, navigation and community resources, we are giving women the support they need before, during and after pregnancy.”

At Ochsner, we are committed to supporting healthier moms and stronger families in the communities we serve.

Learn more about Project M.O.M. and Louisiana’s statewide efforts to support mothers and families: https://ow.ly/Ww1050YeyIn

02/11/2026

What could 40 alcohol-free days do for your sleep, energy and focus?

Eat Fit Ochsner is kicking off the 11th annual Alcohol Free For 40 Challenge on Thursday, Feb. 19, the Thursday after Mardi Gras. This statewide challenge invites participants to take a guided break from alcohol and measure the impact on their health over 40 days.

Even a temporary pause can support better sleep, increased energy and improved focus. On average, participants see measurable improvements, including reduced cholesterol and triglycerides, lower blood pressure and decreased body fat.

Participants in the Lafayette region will complete their pre- and post-challenge health measurements at Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Center, 4212 W. Congress St., Lafayette, LA 70506.

For $59, participants receive education, ongoing support and comprehensive pre- and post-challenge health measurements, including labs and body composition analysis, a $450 value.

Registration closes Sunday, Feb. 15.

👉 Register now at https://ow.ly/yN3M50YcY2I

02/04/2026

We’re proud to share that Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center has been reaccredited as an American College of Surgeons Level II Trauma Center.

This recognition reflects our continued commitment to providing expert trauma care when it matters most. As the only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana, our team cares for more than 4,000 trauma patients each year with immediate access to trauma surgeons, emergency physicians and critical surgical services.

This reaccreditation reinforces our promise to be ready for our community every hour of every day.

01/12/2026

Join us for a free prenatal education class at Ochsner American Legion Hospital! We are offering both in-person and Zoom options.

• When: Friday, Jan. 30
• Where: Ochsner American Legion Hospital Medical Office Board Room, 1634 Elton Road,
Jennings, La.
• Time: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Topics discussed will include what to expect during your hospital stay, breastfeeding and postpartum care.

For more information or to register, text 337-246-9013 or call 337-616-7188

01/08/2026

Update: The phone system at Ochsner St. Martin Hospital is back up and running.

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We are currently experiencing a phone outage at Ochsner St. Martin Hospital. The hospital remains open and fully operational.

To reach the hospital, call 337-354-9040. If you have a medical emergency, please go directly to the Emergency Department or call 911.

Crews are working to resolve the issue and will share updates here as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience.

01/05/2026

New year, new you. Sign up for the challenge presented by Eat Fit Ochsner and your body will thank you.

Give your body a detox. Give up alcohol for 40 days and document the impact it has on your body with the Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge.

12/24/2025

Love eggnog but not the sugar and calories?

Here are three better-for-you versions to try this holiday season (plus a tip for making your cup a little healthier).

One trick for a healthy eggnog: Add a scoop of collagen powder to some of the lightened-up nog versions out there for a richer feel.

12/23/2025

✨ Holiday cheer arrived early in the NICU at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center! ✨

Our tiniest patients and their families were surprised with a special visit from Santa Claus, bringing smiles, laughter and a little extra magic to the unit. 🎅🎄

The holidays can be especially tough when a loved one is in the hospital, which is why our NICU team goes the extra mile to create moments of comfort and joy for the families we serve. 💙

12/22/2025

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be challenging after bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. 🎄

From managing cravings to navigating gatherings, our latest blog shares expert tips on bariatric-friendly holiday eating, mindful habits and practical strategies to help you enjoy the season while staying on track with your weight-loss goals. 🍗🥗

Learn how to enjoy holiday meals after bariatric surgery with expert tips on protein-first eating, managing cravings, mindful habits and long-term weight-loss success.