22nd ANNUAL TIGER RUN TO BENEFIT LSUHSC STUDENT COMMUNITY PROJECTS
The 2009 Tiger Run, organized by students at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine, will be Sunday, March 22, 2009 at Audubon Park’s Shelter #10 (Magazine Street entrance). Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the 5K Run/Walk will benefit student-organized community projects.
. The race is open to the general public. All runners, walkers, and those who like good fun for a good cause are welcome. Registration is $20 on race day, $15 for entry without t-shirt on race day or $15 for t-shirt purchase only. 5k Run awards include gift certificates and other prizes from local hotels, restaurants and businesses. All registrants are also eligible for prizes awarded at random drawings. Winners must be present at awards ceremony to collect prize. The entry fee also includes a post-race party with food, fun, and music.
Entry forms are available online at www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/tigerrun
Ochsner ER Posts Patient Wait Times
Door-to-Doctor Times at Four Ochsner ERs Empower Patients to Decide Where to Seek Fastest Care
NEW ORLEANS – With local emergency rooms struggling with high seasonal volumes, Ochsner Medical Center at 1514 Jefferson Highway developed a unique service to help patients better utilize their time and gain faster access to medical care. Ochsner is now posting “real time” wait times for its four local emergency rooms to allow patients the option to be treated more quickly at another Ochsner hospital for non-life threatening conditions.
“High winter volumes have some Ochsner ERs experiencing substantial wait times,” says Guarisco, Ochsner Systems Chief of Emergency Services. “In an effort to better meet patient needs, we’re electronically surveying our four local hospitals’ real time and passing wait times on to patients who can then make an informed decision to either stay where they are or travel to another location and be seen sooner.”
Ochsner is offering this information to patients in an effort to improve healthcare for the community and to meet patients’ requests for information about their care. “When patients arrive at the emergency room, their expectation is that they be placed in a room and evaluated by the provider and the faster we can do that the better it is for the patient,” says Guarisco.
“Recently, we displayed door-to-doctor wait times and several patients opted to choose shorter lines at Ochsner ERs in Kenner and Baptist Uptown,” says Guarisco. “Not only did those patients receive quality care quickly, it also decongested the ER where they first arrived– a balancing act that benefits everyone.”
Ochsner has fully-staffed emergency rooms at the following locations in the greater New Orleans area:
– 1514 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (Ochsner Medical Center)
– 180 West Esplanade Ave., Kenner (Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner)
– 2700 Napoleon Ave., Uptown New Orleans (Ochsner Baptist Medical Center)
– 2500 Belle Chasse Highway, Gretna (Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank)
“Ochsner is committed to helping all patients in an emergency and we never turn anyone away, however, we want the public to know if they can travel to another Ochsner location to receive faster care, it will benefit them and the entire healthcare system,” explains Guarisco.
The display at the Ochsner Medical Center Emergency Room reads as follows:
“We apologize for any delays you may be experiencing due to high winter volumes. If you feel your condition warrants remaining in our ER, we will take care of you as soon as possible. If you do not feel your condition requires that you remain in our ER, below are the approximate wait times at Ochsner’s other emergency rooms. Thank you for your understanding.”
In the next few weeks, Ochsner plans to post Emergency Room wait times on www.ochsner.org so patients and their families can access wait times from home in order to choose the ER with the shortest wait times in advance
Alexander Technique
Group Classes
New Orleans: Alexander Technique has been helping practitioners reduce
stress, improve movement and find a more harmony with their physical
environment. Alexander Technique is a must regimen for vocalists,
actors, lecturers and those engaging in any form of public speaking.
Wikipedia states "The Alexander Technique is a technique of body
re-education and coordination, accomplished through physical and
psychological principles. The technique focuses on the self-perception
of body use and is promoted for the alleviation of back pain,
rehabilitation after accidents, improving breathing, playing musical
instruments and singing.
The technique takes its name from F. Matthias Alexander, who first
formulated its principles between 1890 and 1900.[1] Alexander developed
the Technique as a personal tool to alleviate pain and hoarseness that
affected his ability to pursue a career as a Shakespearean actor.
Alexander taught his technique for 30 years before creating a school to
train other teachers of the technique. All current Alexander Technique
teachers have participated in the 3-year, 1600-hour training, all with a
pedagogical ancestry traced to Alexander himself."
Hild Creed, a certified Alexander Technique teacher has been instructing
clients for 12 years, will conduct a series of classes for the beginners
and the experienced practitioners, twice monthly 11 AM on Saturdays at
the Neighborhood Civic and Arts Center, 1520 N. Claiborne. Presented by
Succor, Inc (www.succorinc.org <http://www.succorinc.org>). The first
Class in Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 11 AM.
Come and establish a new perspective on relating to your mind and body.
For More Information, call 504.945.1800.
A Gut Reaction to the Recession
Ochsner Offers Tips to Recognize and Manage the Body’s Response to Recession Stress
NEW ORLEANS– Our faltering economy is producing a gut reaction in many people, literally! According to Ochsner, stomach ailments, lack of sleep, and emotional roller coasters are just a few of the physical reactions to Wall Street. But, even in difficult times, physicians say there are ways to stay healthy and positive.
“In times of increased stress and anxiety, the mind and body can react in unusual and sometimes unsettling ways,” explains Dr. Alvin Rouchell, Ochsner Chairman of Psychiatry. “Physically, everyone reacts differently to stress, so it’s important to pay attention to your physical health and understand why your body is reacting the way it is. Most importantly, be cautious not to use drugs or alcohol to cope.”
Three of the most common physical symptoms of and solutions to stress include:
· Gut Problems:“Constipation, heartburn, hemorrhoids, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are all potential problems for someone with anxiety,” says Dr. David Margolin, Ochsner Colon and Rectal Surgeon. While pinpointing the cause of digestive disease or acid-related disorders is not always easy, stress and anxiety are believed to be the most common causes.
· Sleeplessness:Getting a good night’s sleep is your body’s way of recalibrating and renewing itself, and it also helps ensure your overall health. Some ways to let go of the stress and problems of the day include: Not taking your problems to bed, allowing 30 minutes to relax and wind down before going to bed, and not watching TV in the bedroom. If sleep problems persist longer than two weeks, call your doctor.
· Weakened Immune System: Studies have shown that high levels of psychological stress are associated with more colds and increased susceptibility to other germs. The following steps can boost your immunity: Wash your hands often with soap & water, use hand sanitizer, and avoid smoking
The majority of these problems can be helped by simply addressing the mental overload. Rouchell recommends talking about your anger and fears, maintaining a routine, which helps bring back a sense of control, and spending time with friends and family. “Although we’re all trying to work harder, make time for recreation and relaxation,” says Rouchell.
Another stress “cure-all” includes regular exercise and a healthy diet. The endorphins produced during exercise can help improve your mood and outlook for the future. “A daily walk doesn’t cost a dime and it can help reduce your risk of heart disease, reign in carbohydrate cravings, rev up metabolic rate,” says Molly Kimball, Elmwood Fitness Center Dietitian. Physicians recommend 30 to 45 minutes a day of moderate exercise for most adults.
Improving your diet doesn’t have to hit your bottom line either. Kimball recommends, home-cooked meals using fresh vegetables from local farmer’s markets. “Experiment with fruits and vegetables by cooking for family and friends; you avoid the high fat and cost of restaurant meals and it lifts your spirits,” says Kimball.
