Carnival may be the heart of New Orleans, but your own heart needs some consideration, too. Luckily, your local heart health resources are here to keep your feet tapping.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Louisiana Blue is devoted to its mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. – but you can lower risks with heart-healthy habits: Get 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, all at once or broken into shorter workouts. Limit salty, fried, or high-fat foods. And, schedule a checkup with your healthcare provider! Everyone should have at least one checkup per year. People with a condition like high blood pressure or heart disease may need a few checkups each year. Your provider can talk with you about your family and medical history and check your numbers for blood pressure and cholesterol to assess your heart health. If you are prescribed medication to keep those numbers in a healthy range, take it exactly as directed and don’t skip doses.

Protect your heart and keep the beat going strong at lablue.com.

Ochsner

At the John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute, your heart health is our mission. Our expert physicians and care teams deliver advanced cardiovascular services across the New Orleans region and the Gulf Coast, combining clinical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care.

Ochsner has a long legacy of innovation in heart care—from performing the region’s first heart transplant to pioneering pediatric transplants and total artificial heart implants. Today, that leadership continues through minimally invasive procedures, advanced diagnostics, and cutting-edge solutions such as wearable technology to support blood pressure management and long-term heart health.

Whether you’re managing a complex cardiovascular condition, navigating a new diagnosis, or taking proactive steps to reduce your risk, you can trust Ochsner’s heart and vascular experts to guide you every step of the way.

Learn more about the John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute at ochsner.org/cardio.

LSU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

 As an opportunity for adults over 50 to explore new interests, meet like-minded people, and stay active, OLLI at LSU is the ideal way to build connections and begin new adventures to last a lifetime. Engaging classes are offered through OLLI at LSU’s four chapters – Crescent City (New Orleans & Metairie), Camellia City (Covington & Slidell), Felicianas (St. Francisville & New Roads), and Lagniappe (Baton Rouge) – allowing members to learn close to home while still being part of the broader OLLI at LSU community.  

 By bonding through the joy of learning, OLLI at LSU members are able to explore new passions focused on health and wellness, history, technology, the arts, and more; all designed for maximum fun and enrichment. From walking clubs to yoga or Pickleball, OLLI at LSU encourages both mental and physical vitality through non-credit learning, with no homework or grades to worry about, just meaningful engagement and intellectual enrichment. 

Visit ce.lsu.edu/olli/ to learn more and join today!  •