HJBR Mar-Apr 2019

Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge I  MAR / APR 2019 63 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com Board of Internal Medicine and joined the North Oaks medical staff in 1995. Baton Rouge General Has Louisiana’s Only Certified Lymphedema Treatment Center Baton Rouge General (BRG) announced it has been recognized by the National Lymphedema Network. BRG has the only comprehensive treat- ment program in Louisiana recognized by the network, bringing much needed relief to cancer patients. Lymphedema, an abnormal buildup of fluid under the skin, can cause extreme and painful swelling in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body. Lymphedema affects up to 10 million Amer- icans and is common after cancer surgery or radi- ation of the head, neck, breast, and legs. The resulting swelling—edema—can also occur after severe trauma, kidney disease, orthopedic sur- gery, stroke, or vein issues. Though there is currently no cure for lymph- edema, symptoms can be treated with a combina- tion of physical and occupational therapy, manual massage, compression bandages and garments, exercise, skin care, and pump therapy. “When lymphedema goes untreated, it can cause long-term physical, psychological, and social challenges,” said Christine Perkins, licensed registered occupational therapist at BRG’s Lymph- edema Clinic. “But when patients get proper treatment, they start to feel more like themselves and can get back to life as they know it. Plus, their immune systems get a much-needed boost to help fight future issues.” BRG’s Lymphedema Clinic includes a preven- tion and screening process; certified licensed therapists who manage physical, occupational, and speech therapy; and support groups. In addi- tion, BRG’s program has a therapeutic exercise and movement program that boosts the immune system and is free to anyone who has had cancer, radiation, chemotherapy, or any chronic disorder. BRG, Williamson Eye Center TeamUp for Free Health Screenings at Rouses Baton Rouge General (BRG) teamed up with Rouses Market and Williamson Eye Center to offer a free health event, including blood pressure, body mass index, and eye pressure screenings. The event was held at the Rouses Market at Juban Crossing in Denham Springs. Primary care physicians from BRG’s Livingston clinic were on hand, and representatives from Williamson Eye Center performed eye pressure checks. Members of the BRG Fit! team were also on site with nutri- tion tips and healthy recipes. Later this month, the BRG Fit! team will begin monthly Grocery Store Tours at area Rouses loca- tions, starting February 13 at Bluebonnet and April 24 at Juban Crossing. Led by a BRG dietitian, the tours are designed to help attendees learn to choose fresh, healthy foods while also under- standing nutrition labels. The dietitians will share tips on how to meal plan, create a shopping list, and prepare healthy dishes for your family with custom recipes. Cardiovascular Institute of the South is First to Use NewDrug-Eluting Stent Interventional cardiologists at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) are the first in Baton Rouge to utilize the recently FDA-approved stent to treat patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Dr. Garland Green, interventional cardiol- ogist at CIS, was the first to use the Eluvia Drug- Eluting Stent at Baton Rouge General on Decem- ber 19, 2018. The Eluvia Stent is designed to restore blood flow in the peripheral arteries above the knee. It features a unique drug-polymer combination intended to facilitate continued release of the drug to prevent narrowing of the vessel, often the cause of pain and disability for patients diag- nosed with PAD. “This drug-eluting stent is an advanced device in our toolbox to treat patients who suffer from peripheral artery disease,” said Green. “The era of drug-eluting stents in the extremities has offi- cially begun!” Peripheral artery disease is caused by plaque build-up or blockages in the legs. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, blocked arteries in the legs keep the organs from receiving oxygen- rich blood, which raises the risk of cardiovascu- lar events, such as heart attacks and strokes. One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 have PAD, and though it is a common and treatable dis- ease, it is largely unknown, often unrecognized, and its symptoms are commonly attributed to old age. Ultimately, PAD can reduce mobility and be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of PAD include: • Open ulcer/wound on the bottom of the foot that does not heal • Pain in the feet or legs that goes away with walking • Severe cramping in the calf after exercising that goes away immediately when stopping • Discoloration of the legs/feet • Numbness or coldness in legs/feet • Pale, shiny skin Baton Rouge General Announces Changes to Board of Trustees Baton Rouge General (BRG) announced that Phyllis McLaurin has been named chair of its board of trustees. McLaurin has served as vice chair since 2016 and is also a past chair of the BRG Founda- tion Board of Governors. Prior to joining BRG’s boards, McLaurin worked in banking for 42 years, retiring in 2012. She served Cynthia Willingham, MD, PLLC Garland Green, MD