Creating a generation of healthier women and children

Author: Dr. Rebekah Gee, Secretary

In an effort to create a generation of healthier women and children in Louisiana, The Department of Health has implemented many initiatives to encourage change and improvement.

WIC helps improve the health of low income families

Program improvements meet federal requirements, vendor moratorium lifted

Author: Bruce Boyea, Director, Bureau of Nutritional Services

In Louisiana, as well as in all other states, research has shown that the program known as WIC, shorthand for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a funding investment that is cost-effective and improves the health status of infants and children. WIC is a federal program – run by the United States Department of Agriculture – that is administered at the state level by the Office of Public Health in Louisiana.

Summer Water and Swim Safety

Author: Dr. Raoult Ratard, State Epidemiologist

From the backyard or neighborhood pool, to the beach, local rivers, streams and lakes, Louisiana residents will begin flocking to the water beginning this Memorial Day weekend.

Before you dive in this summer, it’s important to know what may be lurking under the surface.

Poor health habits by Louisiana’s seniors lead to poor health rankings

Author: David J. Holcombe, M.D., M.S.A., Regional Medical Director, Region 6 (Alexandria Region)

In conjunction with America’s Health Rankings, there is a specific report issued annually for senior health for each state. America’s Health Rankings Senior Report for 2016 is the most recent report available and it usually parallels health rankings for Louisiana as a whole, with some exceptions. 

It’s not enough to prepare for a hurricane

Your game plan must address other types of severe weather

Author: Kenyatta Esters, Emergency Preparedness Manager

When people think of severe weather in Louisiana, many immediately picture a menacing hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico taking aim for our state. It is true that Louisiana has experienced many tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes.  However, as many of us have witnessed recently, Louisiana also experiences catastrophic flooding, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, heat waves, and even ice storms.