Are Vaccines Safe? Do They Cause Autism?

Author: Emily Ashworth, RN, BSN

With: Bertrand J. Foch, MD, Region 5 (Lake Charles) Medical Director, Office of Public Health

This article originally appeared in the August 2017 issue of the Voice of Southwest Louisiana. OPH’s Dr. Foch was the key contributor. The publication also included a counterpoint article that suggested vaccines caused autism. This is a myth that never seems to go away even in the face of numerous studies have found no evidence to support this belief. This has resulted in a growing number of parents who are refusing to vaccinate their children. Visit publichealth.org for more information about the myths that have potential to cast doubt on vaccines as one of the pillars of modern medicine.

As we gear up to send our children back to school, one of the items to check off the list is making sure the shot record is up-to-date.  Have you ever asked yourself, “Should I vaccinate my child?  Will they get sick?  Will they develop autism?”  Take a few minutes and explore these questions with me. 

Tobacco use rates in Louisiana remain high while rates go down nationwide

Author: Melissa Martin, Director, Well-Ahead Louisiana

In spite of a continued downward trend in adult rates of smoking nationwide, the rate in Louisiana remains relatively high. Experts say this can be attributed to wealthier people kicking the habit while poorer Americans are still lighting up.

Send Your Children Back to School Protected from Serious Diseases

Author: Dr. Frank Welch

Back-to-school season is here! It’s time for parents to gather school supplies and back packs. It’s also the perfect time to make sure your children are up to date on their vaccines.

It’s Getting HOT Out There

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

After experiencing what was for Louisiana a relatively mild spring and early summer, Louisiana’s hot and humid days returned with a vengeance in July. Daily temperatures soared into the mid-90s, and combined with high humidity, pushed the heat index to over 105 degrees just about every day this month.

Congressional Ballpark Shooting Demonstrates the Value of Trauma Care in Communities

Author: Paige Hargrove, Executive Director, Louisiana Emergency Response Network

Board members and staff of the Louisiana Emergency Response Network watched and listened in horror to the breaking news coverage of the recent shooting rampage that erupted on a community baseball field in Virginia, which critically injured Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise. The LERN family extends our best wishes for a full recovery to Congressman Scalise.

This senseless act of violence serves as the latest reminder that immediate and appropriate medical response to severe traumatic injury can save lives. No doubt, the medical response to this “ballpark shooting” incident will be carefully studied and analyzed for lessons learned – two basic facts of this case are already being cited as probable lifesavers.