Volume 12 | Number 3 | Third Quarter 2010 | www.northoaks.org

(Continuedon page 2)

4 Prostate Cancer: Lifestyle and Diet May Help Protect You. | 6 Protecting You and Your Family with Digital Defenses8 50 Years of Caring for You | 9 North Oaks Recognized for Quality Health Care & Innovations in Reducing Costs | 10 Cosmetic vs. Plastic Surgery

Sports injuries among student athletes are on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How toBlock & Tackle

InjuriesSports

2 North Oaks Community Newsletter | Vol. 12 | No. 3 | Third Quarter 2010

To keep young athletes safe, the American Academyof Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends these 7 tips:

Inspect Equipment.5 Play it Safe.6 Plan a Physical.7

1. Stay active with your child throughout the year to

maintain physical fitness for your whole family.

2. Prevent dehydration and overheating with regular water

breaks.

3. Know your child’s boundaries. Never push a child

beyond the point of physical or emotional safety.

4. Warm up with light exercise for at least 3 to 5 minutes,

and then slowly and gently stretch the muscles to be

exercised, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds.

5. Inspect equipment to make sure it is adequately

maintained and used properly.

6. Discourage dangerous play and risky sports techniques.

7. Plan a pre-season physical with your health care

provider.

Be Aware.3Stay Active.1 Hydrate.2

By North OaksSports Medicine Supervisor/Head Athletic Trainer

Jeff Schmitt, ATC, LAT

InjuriesSportsHow toBlock & Tackle

www.northoaks.org 3Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

high school athletes alone account for about 2 million injuries, a

half-million doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations each year.

The CDC also estimates that more than half of all sports injuries in

children may be preventable.

For more information on sports injury prevention, speak with your personal health careprovider or contact North Oaks Sports Medicine, a program designed for student athletes,

ages 12-18, at (985) 230-5248, or call the North Oaks Orthopedic Clinic at (985) 370-5656.For unexpected, minor injuries, visit North Oaks Walk-In Clinics, located in Hammond at North Oaks

Rehabilitation Hospital or in Walker in Southside Plaza. No appointments are necessary.

• Muscle stiffness usually occurs when a group of muscles has been worked continuously for a period of time. Common ways to reduce this condition are light exercise, massage and stretching.

• Muscle cramps are a problem related to hard conditioning. Drinking plenty of fluids, like water and sports drinks may decrease chances of cramping during athletic events.

• Sprains develop when one or more ligaments is overstretched. The rule of thumb is the RICE principle — Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Trauma to a tendon results in strain in areas like the hamstring group, calf muscles and others.(For more information on RICE, see page 13.)

• Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spur Syndrome is a major cause of heel pain. It’s caused by repetitive strain and can affect soccer, basketball and tennis players, as well as long-distance runners and gymnasts.

• Staph infection or MRSA often begins as a pimple or boil on the skin. It is similar to many other forms of bacteria, and can spread to other parts of the body, including the bones or lungs, where it can cause pneumonia. Protect yourself from infection by washing your hands and keeping your skin clean. Treat and cover wounds since any open wound is a potential entry point for MRSA. Don’t share personal items like towels, razors, soap or uniforms. Shower after each sports event with soap. Since germs can live on athletic mats, gym and sports equipment, clean and disinfect all objects before and after use. Informational brochures on MRSA are available by callingNorth Oaks at (985) 230-6647.

Be aware of common health threats among athletes:

Warm Up.4

4 North Oaks Community Newsletter | Vol. 12 | No. 3 | Third Quarter 2010

Each day, more than 500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer,the second leading cause of cancer death in men.

Prostate Cancer

By North OaksFamily Medicine PhysicianPhillip Ehlers, MD

Although there’s

no sure way to

prevent prostate

cancer, you can

make diet and

lifestyle choices

that may improve

your odds of

beating the

disease. While any

man can get cancer

in the prostate,

a small walnut-

shaped gland, it’s

more common in

older men, African-

Americans and

those with a family

history.

Lifestyleand DietMay Help ProtectYou

www.northoaks.org 5

You may lower your risk of getting prostate cancer, as well as other cancers and heart disease, by following these guidelines:•Eatsensibly.Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in

your diet. Select foods high in folate, a B vitamin found in spinach, asparagus and some beans. Vegetables, such as broccoli, kale and cabbage, also may help protect against cancer.

•Choosehealthyfoods.Whole-grains, brown rice and whole wheat bread are smart options. Try to keep saturated fats to a minimum. The highest rates of prostate cancer appear in countries where people eat a lot of fat.

•Drinkalcoholinmoderation.This generally means no more than 2 drinks per day for men.

•Omega-3fattyacids,found in cold-water fish, like salmon and mackerel, may reduce the risk of cancer.

•Greenteacontains antioxidants that may prevent cancer and other health problems.

•Aerobicexercisefor 30 minutes daily is a good rule of thumb. Check with your health care provider to develop a physical activity plan.

Men may or may not experience symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. According to ACS, autopsy studies show that many older men who died of other diseases also had prostate cancer that never caused them

a problem during their lives. These studies showed that as many as seven to nine out of 10 men had prostate cancer by age 80, but neither they nor their doctors knew they had it.

Signsandsymptomsinclude: • trouble urinating• decreased force in urine stream • blood in urine• blood in specimen• swelling in your legs• discomfort in the pelvic area• bone pain.

Most prostate cancer is discovered through a routine Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) or a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.

If you are at average risk, begin talking about testing with your health care provider at 50. If you are African-American or have a father, brother or son who had prostate cancer before age 65, you are considered high-risk and should begin talking to your health care provider at 45. For men at even higher risk (with multiple family members who have had prostate cancer), this talk should take place at 40.

Sources: American Cancer Society and American Urological Association Foundation

Prostate CancerThe American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that the 5-year

survival rate for men with prostate cancer is nearly 100% in

cases where the cancer is still restricted in the prostate.

However, for those cases which are diagnosed late, the

chances of 5-year survival are reduced to as low as 34%.

You also may call North Oaks Family Medicine in Hammond at (985) 230-5800, in Independence at (985) 878-4174or Walker at (225) 664-4398, as well as Northshore Internal Medicine Associates at (985) 230-7675.

To keep your risk in perspective,stay in regular contact with your personal health care provider about your prostate

health. Together, you and your physician can consider prevention strategies that make the most sense for you, given your health and medical history.

Early detectionis important.

(Approximate size of a healthy adult prostate gland, above right.)

www.northoaks.org

6 North Oaks Community Newsletter | Vol. 12 | No. 3 | Third Quarter 2010

DigiTALYou

DEfENSES By North OaksContributing Writer

Nanette Russell White

Protect YouR boDY.

Take a 15-minute break for every2 hours of continuous computer use.

Sources: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Labor, www.npc.org and www.pbs.org

www.northoaks.org 7

ProtectYouR kiDS fRoM CYbER buLLiES.

ProtectYouR EYES.

To follow are some helpful tips to start a cyberbullying prevention conversation in your household:

for more information on cyberbullyingprevention, visit www.ncpc.org.

Dusting your computer monitor may reduce glare and reflection. Also tilt the screen down slightly so overhead lighting does not hit it.

8 North Oaks Community Newsletter | Vol. 12 | No. 3 | Third Quarter 2010

In the next issue of CommUnity, we’ ll take a look at North Oaks’ growth in the 1990s and 2000s.

The 70s and 80s were busy decades for North Oaks. In 1972, services were expanded to include Nuclear Medicine, Inhalation Therapy Services and an EEG Laboratory.

The period from 1973-79 saw the addition of the Pharmacy, the opening of a 5-bed Intensive Care Unit and higher accreditation of the Blood Bank. A population explosion in 1979 was the result of highway improvements in the I-55 and I-12 corridor, and Hammond became the “crossroads of the South.” A Physician recruitment program attracted 12 new doctors to the medical staff in a brief timeframe. According to Dr. Paul Vega, the Physicians Recruiting Committee was “probably one of the most important steps” in the hospital’s progress.

A $15 million bond issue was granted in 1980, with issuance to be repaid entirely from hospital revenues. The hospital no longer received money from property taxes or Hill-Burton funds. The growth meant better local health care and financial independence.

In 1982, the hospital celebrated the grand opening of a 95,000-square-foot addition and 43,000 square feet of remodeled space that allowed for expansion of all services.

In 1983, a $1 million addition increased the number of beds and the third floor was opened. The first full-time social worker was hired, a poison identification system was added in the Emergency Room and Quad One CT Scanner was purchased for $795,000. Only the tenth in the nation, the scanner was possible in part due to a $100,000 contribution by W.L. Billups, a Hammond banker and philanthropist.

In 1985, the hospital celebrated its 25th anniversary with the addition of Home Health Services, Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and the Mammography Unit. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center opened a location on the grounds.

NEW NuRSERY: AuguST 22, 1983, ThE DAiLY STAR The new 1,466square-foot nursery is part of a $452,000 renovation project. Pictured, from left, are Sybil Pepitone (Paulson), RN; Loretta Populis, aide; Margaret Peeler, RN; and Lynn Guidry, RN. (Staff Photo)

TAkiNg ShAPE: oCTobER 7, 1980, ThE DAiLY STAR The framework for the Hospital’s new three-story wing outlines the shape of the addition that will house 50 patient beds, medical testing departments and business offices. The wing is part of a $13.56 million building and renovation program that will double the hospital’s size. (Daily Star Photo by Mary Miller)

50 Years of Caring for YOUA L O O k At N O r t h O A k ’ s G r O w t h I N t h e 1 9 7 0 s & 1 9 8 0 s

i’LL huff AND Puff: AuguST 17, 1984, ThE DAiLY STAR Jackson, Miss. resident Cheri Guillot, 13, exhales into a measuring device held by nurse Lois Shelton and finds out how much air her lungs can hold. Miss Guillot’s friends, Michelle Forman, 15, and Tina Forman, 13, both of McComb, Miss., look on as they wait for their turn. The exhibit was part of the Hammond Square Health Fair. (Staff Photo by Claude Levet)

In 1986, James E. Cathey Jr. came on board as President and CEO. The majority of the current Executive Management Team followed shortly after and have continued to serve together for more than 20 years.

1983

www.northoaks.org 9

North oaks health system is a community-based hospital organization with nearly 3,000 employees, physicians and volunteers, serving the Florida Parishes since 1960. Facilities include North Oaks Medical Center, North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital, North Oaks Heart Health Center (located within North Oaks Medical Center), North Oaks Diagnostic Center, North Oaks Hospice Agency, North Oaks Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology, North Oaks Cardiology, North Oaks ENT & Allergy Clinic, North Oaks Family Medicine Clinics, North Oaks Neurology Clinic, North Oaks Occupational Health Services Clinic, North Oaks Orthopedic Clinic, North Oaks Pulmonology, North Oaks Specialty Clinic, North Oaks Walk-In Clinics and Northshore Internal Medicine Associates.

North Oaks Material Services Director Jim Ahrend (center) receives the 2010 Supply Chain Innovation Award from Mike Alkire, President, Premier Purchasing Partners (left) and susan DeVore, President and CEO (right). The Value Analysis Team at North Oaks Health System was recognized recently for innovation and resourcefulness in reducing costs, and is one of only three of Premier healthcare alliance’s 2,399 members to receive this award. The award acknowledges North Oaks for successful innovations that have created new levels of performance and competitive advantage while improving patient care and safely reducing costs. The total savings achieved by the Value Analysis Team for Fiscal Year 2010 equalled $2,532,669.

North oaks recogNized forInnovation in Reducing Costs

North oaks recogNized for

Quality Health Care

From left, Chief Administrative Officer of eQHealth Solutions Gary Curtis presents a Gold Hospital Quality Award toNorth Oaks Heart Health Center Director Tammy Murphy, Performance Management Director Jan Takewell and Heart Health Center

Quality Analyst Melissa Tallia. At far right is Quality Improvement Specialist Sue Sihvonen of eQHealth Solutions.

EQHealth Solutions, the state’s Medicare quality improvement organization, recently honored North Oaks Medical Center with a Gold Hospital Quality Award for the standard of health care provided for heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia patients. Established in 2006, the Hospital Quality Awards recognize facilities that are actively engaged in improving care in one or more of four areas (heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care).

“Achieving and sustaining strong supply chain performance is essential to a healthy bottom line and protecting our ability to continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”–Jim Ahrend, North Oaks Material Services Director

10 North Oaks Community Newsletter | Vol. 12 | No. 3 | Third Quarter 2010

Plastic SurgeryPlastic surgery is a medical specialty involving correction or restoration.

Nearly 18 million plastic surgery procedures were done in the United States last year.

What’s the difference?Before considering plastic surgery,

understand the differences between the two types.

Cosmetic procedures are meant to enhance theappearance, shape or contour of a body part. This is done when a patient is dissatisfied with the original appearance or wants to improve it. Cosmetic surgery is elective and usually not covered

by insurance. Procedures typically include:

Reconstructive procedures are used to correct problems with parts of the body that are a result of a birth defect, extreme

accident or cancer treatment. These procedures may be intended to help reestablish the function of a body part or to help restore

the original appearance. Reconstructive surgery is covered by insurance in most cases. Procedures typically include:

Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive

Cosmetic Reconstructive

Breast Enlargements

Breast Lift

Rhinoplasty

Liposuction

Collagen/Fat Injections.

By North OaksContributing Writer

Candace Parent

Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reduction

Skin Cancer Removal

Scar Revision

Hand Surgery.

www.northoaks.org 11Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), plasticsurgery.org and plasticsurgeryprocedures.org

• Make sure your surgeon has completed an approved surgical fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Your surgeon should be board eligible or board certified in plastic surgery.

• Make sure your surgeon has admitting privileges at a licensed health care facility. • Ask to see pictures of previous patients. Patient testimonies are a good way to know what to expect. • Ask if the surgeon you meet is the one who will be performing the surgery or your procedure and follow-up.• If you have any unanswered questions or if you feel unsure about your surgeon, seek a second opinion. There are

many different ways to perform a procedure, and it is important to research alternatives, as well as doctors.• remember that there are no quick fixes, and if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Finding the right doctor is key.Here are some guidelines to consider before surgery.

For more information on doctors who perform cosmetic and reconstructive procedures atNorth Oaks Medical Center, call the North Oaks Physician Referral Hotline at (985) 230-DOCS.

12 North Oaks Community Newsletter | Vol. 12 | No. 3 | Third Quarter 2010

gRouNDbREAkiNg hELD foR NoRTh oAkS MEDiCAL CENTER ExPANSioNGroundbreaking took place on May 3 for the planned expansion of North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. The 5-story, 200,000-square-foot

hospital addition will increase the facility’s patient bed count to 326. Scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2012, the expansion will add 14 Operating Room Suites, 12 more outpatient surgery beds and 67 new, private inpatient rooms to the hospital. Infrastructure enhancements, such as a new utility loop, central mechanical plant and helipad, and shelled space for future Emergency Department growth also are part of the project.

North Oaks Neurology Clinic has relocated to 2101 Robin Avenue, Suite 5 in Hammond. Hours of operation remain 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.on weekdays.

North Oaks Neurology Clinic provides treatment for neurological conditions, such as headaches, strokes, seizures, movement disorders and tremors, as well as treatment and

management of diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. In addition, Drs. Bilal Choudry and Patricio S. Espinosa specialize in the treatment of epilepsy.

To schedule an appointment or to request a listing of accepted insurance plans, please call North Oaks Neurology Clinic at(985) 230-7525.

bilal A.Choudry, MD

Patricio S.Espinosa, MD, MPh

North Oaks Neurology Clinic Relocates

A power of attorney document grants a person the right to make health care decisions (including consents) on behalf of a patient.

The power of attorney must expressly and specifically state that the person has the authority to make health care decisions on the patient’s behalf in order for it to be valid in Louisiana.

Lengthy power of attorney documents are often presented that do not specifically mention health care or medical decisions, and those documents cannot be accepted as a health care power of attorney.

By North OaksPatient Representative

Stacy harrisIs Your Health CarePower of Attorney Valid?

Seek legal counsel for guidance on formulating a health care power of attorney that meets your needs. For help with placing a health care power of attorney on record with North Oaks, call North Oaks Patient Representative Stacy Harris at (985) 230-6888 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays.

www.northoaks.org 13

We are delighted that these physicians have chosen our health system. Join us in welcoming them to our community.

Physicians have a choice of where to practice.

(continued from page 3)

Using these 4 immediate first aid measures

may relieve pain, limit swelling and protect the

injured tissues. This may help speed healing.

Rest the injured area to allow the body time to get the effects of the trauma under control and avoid additional stress and damage to the injured tissue. People who do not rest an acute injury may prolong the inflammation period and increase healing time.

Ice applied promptly to an injury may slow or minimize some of the inflammation. The cold causes a closing of the blood vessels in the tissue, which reduces the bleeding. The nerve impulses are slowed considerably to reduce the pain that is felt, providing a numbing effect.

Compression involves application of an elastic bandage wrap. It may help control swelling. Any wrap should be applied carefully. Too tight of a bandage may interrupt vital circulation to the injured area.

Elevation involves raising the injured area above the level of the heart. This position may reduce swelling.

Source: National Athletic Trainers Alliance (www.nata.org)

Sports Injury SolutionS

R.I.C.E.

Alison Rome, MD, oncologistPontchartrain Hematology/Oncology, Inc.(985) 419-0025

Jonathan Thompson, MD, Pain MedicineNeuroscience and Pain Institute(985) 892-8934

Sousan Zadeh, Do, NephrologistInternal Medicine Clinic of Tangipahoa(985) 542-6251

James Parker, MD, CardiologistNorth Oaks Cardiology Clinic(985) 230-5972

William Plunkett, MD, internistNorthshore Internal Medicine Associates(985) 230-7675

brian Ashford, MD, ob/gYNNorth Oaks Obstetrics & Gynecology(985) 542-0663

Christina Lopez, MD, CardiologistNorth Oaks Cardiology Clinic(985) 230-5972

Jeffrey LaCour, MD, ENTNorth Oaks ENT & Allergy Clinic(985) 230-2630

bryan Dudoussat, MD, orthopedistNorth Oaks Orthopedic Clinic(985) 370-5656

Anirudha Dasgupta, MD, oncologistOchsner Clinic Foundation–Northshore(985) 875-2828

Remember, if a hurricane approaches the area, the North oaks Public information hotline at(985) 230-iNfo [4636] will be activated to share updates, including the location of Medical Special

Needs Shelters operated by the state’s office of Public health. updates also will be posted towww.northoaks.org and shared with radio partners: kSLu 90.9 fM, Northshore broadcasting

(WfPR 1400 AM, WhMD 107.1 fM, Tangi 96.5 fM), WJbo 1150 AM and WWL AM 870/fM 105.3.

14 North Oaks Community Newsletter | Vol. 12 | No. 3 | Third Quarter 2010

Members of Courtney Delatte’s family release balloons in her memory during a ceremony co-sponsored by North Oaks and the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. The ceremony was held during National Donate Life Month in April. Delatte, who passed away in October 2009, was a North Oaks Medical Nutrition Tech and organ donor. The ceremony was attended by her family, friends and co-workers.

NoRTh oAkSAND LoPAREMEMbERDoNoRS

North Oaks Clinic Billing Office staff members assisting with the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies include: (front row, from left) Amanda hoover, ophellia henry, (back row, from left) Vanessa gordon and Stacie Arnone.

Ann McDaniel-hall of Nutritional Services and James hall of Plant Operations lead the Acadiana Area Team during the Louisiana Special Olympics Summer Games Opening Ceremonies Parade May 21, 2010.

NoRTh oAkS SuPPoRTS SPECiAL oLYMPiCS

“Look Good…Feel Better” Presentation for Women in Cancer Treatment—Free Oct. 18; 6-8 p.m.Look Good…Feel Better is a dinner program sponsored by North Oaks and the American Cancer Society to enhance the self-image of women living with cancer. The program offers participants free makeovers and a take-home cosmetic kit, as well as practical, personalized advice about makeup and skin care, wig selection and upkeep, and creative ways to use scarves, hats and turbans. Registration is required. Please call the North Oaks Outpatient Infusion Therapy Unit at (985) 230-1660 to register.

SPECIAL EVENT

Construction of the North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex in Satsuma remains on schedule with plans to open in the fourth quarter of 2010. The 2-story, 47,000-square-foot complex will offer a walk-in clinic, a family medicine clinic, specialty clinic, outpatient diagnostic and treatment center and community meeting facilities.

NoRTh oAkS-LiViNgSToN PARiShMEDiCAL CoMPLEx

North Oaks salutes Dr. Lori E. Summers, who recently returned to her practice, Summers Neurosurgery in Hammond, after completing a 9-month deployment with the U.S. Navy Reserve. Based at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, Dr. Summers often flew into Iraq and Afghanistan to treat soldiers from the U.S. and other nations, as well as civilians. Dr. Summers has belonged to the North Oaks Medical staff since 2006.

DR. SuMMERS RETuRNSfRoM MiLiTARY SERViCE

NoRTh oAkS SuPPoRTS SPECiAL oLYMPiCS

SuPPoRT gRouP MEETiNgS AWAkE (Alert, Well And keep Energetic) Support groupOct. 20, 5:30 p.m.

Connection Peer Support group (NAMI): 6:30 p.m.Sept. 13 and Oct. 11

Diabetes Support groupSept. 7, 3 p.m.: “Fun Fall Fitness”Oct. 5, 6 p.m.: “Walk Your Way to Wellness”

families Touching families—filling the gap: 10 a.m.Sept. 18 and Oct. 9, 23

group Living with Affective Disorders Support group: 6 p.m.Aug. 16, 23; Sept. 7, 13, 20, 27; and Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25

La Leche League (Breastfeeding) Support group: 6 p.m.Sept. 7 and Oct. 5

Northlake Area Transplant Support group: 7 p.m. Sept. 2 and Oct. 7

Note: If you have bereavement support needs or questions, please call North Oaks Hospice at (985) 230-7620 for information on available community resources.

CLASSES foR fAMiLiES & ChiLDREN

body beautiful ii: Self-esteem/Peer Pressure—freeSept. 30, 6 p.m.

breastfeeding Class—freeSept. 16, 6 p.m.

Car Seat fitting Station—free*Sept. 2 and Oct. 7; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.*By appointment only. Call [985] 230-7777 to schedule.

Prenatal i Class: families under Construction—freeSept. 14, 6 p.m.

Prenatal ii Class: Labor & Delivery—freeSept. 21, 6 p.m.

Prenatal iii Class: Relaxation Techniques—freeSept. 28, 6 p.m.

Prenatal iV Class: infant Care (& Tour)—freeOct. 5, 6 p.m.

Prenatal V Class: American heart Association CPR for family & friends—$5Oct. 19; 6 p.m.

Something for Siblings Class—freeSept. 14, 5 p.m.

www.northoaks.org 15

Call (985) 230-7777 to register for Community Education classes and Car Seat fittings. for a full description of classes and support group meetings, go to www.northoaks.org. All classes are held in theE. brent Dufreche Conference Center, located in North oaks Diagnostic Center, unless otherwise noted.

CPR AND fiRST AiD CLASSES minimum 4 hours• American Red Cross Standard first Aid Class—$25 Sept. 9, 5 p.m.• American heart Association healthcare Provider CPR—$20 (for medical professionals) Sept. 2 and Oct. 7; 5 p.m.• American heart Association heartsaver AED CPR Class—$15 (for the layperson) Aug. 19, Sept. 23 and Oct. 21; 5 p.m.The American Heart Association (AHA) strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the AHA. Any fees charged for such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA course materials, do not represent income to the Association.

Plastic Surgeon Jonathon E. Weiler, MD, MSPH, is offering a free seminar on “Body Contouring After Weight Loss”on Aug. 18, from 6-7 p.m. at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, located within the North Oaks Diagnostic Center on the North Oaks Medical Center campus. On Oct. 6, Dr. Weiler also will be available to answer questions at a “What’s New in Breast Reconstruction?” seminar. For more information or to register for the talks, please call North Oaks at (985) 230-6647, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENts: Body contouring & breast Reconstruction

Volume 12 | Number 3 | Third Quarter 2010

North oaks health System15790 Paul Vega, MD, Drive | hammond, LA 70403P.o. box 2668 | hammond, LA 70404Phone: (985) 230-6647 | fax: (985) 230-6138 | nohs@northoaks.org

CommUnity is printed and published by North Oaks Health System under the leadership of the North Oaks Board of Commissioners.

The information in this newsletter is meant to complement the advice of your health care providers, not to replace it. Before making any major changes in your medications, diet or exercise, talk to your health care provider.

The mission of North Oaks Health System is to provide quality, personalized health care in a caring, efficient and financially responsible manner. Furthermore, it is our intention to work in harmony with physicians, area hospitals, businesses and community organizations to meet the health care and health educational needs of citizens of Tangipahoa and the Florida Parishes.

©2010 North Oaks Health System

Presort Std

US Postage

PAID

Baton Rouge LA

Permit No 2035

North Oaks Health System Welcomes Dr. Plunkett.

North Oaks is pleased to welcome Internist William G. Plunkett, MD, to Northshore Internal Medicine Associates.

Northshore Internal Medicine Associates specializes in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of medical conditions and preventative care for adults. This includes difficult-to-diagnose medical conditions and the management of multiple health concerns.

15770 Paul Vega, MD, Dr. | Suite 108 | Hammond, LA | www.northoaks.org

For an appointment, call (985) 230-7675. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Most of my 24 years in medicine have been in Louisiana. I moved out of state after Hurricane Katrina and didn’t realize how much I missed home until I had the opportunity to return. I’m looking forward to providing primary care services to this community.

–William G. Plunkett, MD

I'm excited to return home.