Nine old-fashioned ways to prevent the flu that don't work

By BOB JOHANNESSEN | Communications Director, Louisiana Department of Health

During the annual flu season, the Louisiana Department of Health spends much time trying to prevent flu cases by encouraging people to get the flu vaccination. From the general public to campaigns that encourage healthcare facilities such as hospitals to make sure their team members get the shot, to making sure that nursing homes are vaccinating their residents to the flu and pneumonia, our efforts are relentless.

Sleep well (and safely), little one

When bringing their baby home for the first time, new parents have a lot of things to worry about.

Am I strapping my baby into the car seat correctly? Is my baby getting enough to eat? Why are diapers so expensive? Speaking of diapers, what’s that smell? Didn’t I just change this baby 10 minutes ago? Will I ever sleep again?

Take Care of Yourself: Don’t Skip That Mammogram

By DR. REBEKAH GEE | Secretary, Louisiana Department of Health

Breast cancer first touched my life at the age of 12, when my mother was diagnosed. Initially, her prospects looked promising, and treatment led to remission, buying us additional precious time together.

But three short years later, it re-emerged, and she passed away at the age of 46.

Louisiana Department of Health’s School Water Lead Testing Program Has Good News

By JIMMY GUIDRY, MD | Louisiana State Health Officer

Safe drinking water has been in the public eye since the crisis in Flint, Mich., where insufficient water treatment exposed more than 100,000 residents to lead. The lead had leached from pipes into the water supply after the city changed water sources and did not properly treat the drinking water.

Taking note of Flint’s water crisis, as well as a situation in St. Joseph, La., where the aging water system had lead problems, the 2018 Louisiana Legislature passed Act 632. This law requires sampling and testing of drinking water in selected elementary schools on an annual basis. 

Flu Season is On Its Way: Are You Prepared?

Fall is a time for cooler temperatures, crisp leaves, pumpkin spice everything – and flu season.

The 2017-2018 flu season was an active one, with flu and pneumonia hitting Louisiana hard. Statistics from the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health show 1,600 deaths from flu illnesses, including five pediatric deaths, and more than 15,000 hospitalizations.