The frontlines of the pandemic look different now, 10 months into the COVID-19 battle. In this season of giving and joy, there’s comfort in knowing that a glimmer of returning to some sort of normalcy is so close. For months, the question of when a vaccine will be ready riddled conversations.

Taking care of our mental health is so important during the holidays. Although it is a time of joy and celebration, it can be a time of stress, depression and anxiety. Unknowingly, we set our expectations high and try to soak in all the fun and excitement these events bring.

One of the more promising additions to this region of late has been the entrance of the Ochsner Health System into north Louisiana.

One thing we have all learned through the COVID-19 pandemic is that baseline physical health is critical to survival; not only from a viral threat, but other risks to our well-being. If you do not already have a physical therapist (PT) on your healthcare team, wait no longer.

On March 21, Jimmy Guidry, M.D., Louisiana’s State Health Officer, issued a health-care directive stating, “Any and all medical and surgical procedures SHALL be postponed until further notice,” with a few exceptions such as emergency situations. This was especially true of elective surgeries.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides a needed reminder that engaging in routine actions that offer optimal health outcomes is more important than ever as underlying health conditions are proving to worsen outcomes in unexpected health challenges like COVID-19.

“The number one thing you can do to help reduce your risk of breast cancer is get your annual mammogram and do monthly selfbreast exams,” said Dr. Chintapalli. “Early detection is key when it comes to breast cancer treatment. The earlier we can treat the cancer with surgery, radiation, chemo or any combination of those, the better.