LaCVT - Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute

LaCVT - Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute Diabetes Relief offers an innovative new therapy to treat the root cause of diabetic complications.

The Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute is the best place to refer your cardiac, vascular, and thoracic patients. With a commitment to excellence in patient care and offering expertise and innovation in the full spectrum of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, we can ensure that all patients will be well taken care of. LaCVT offers minimally invasive treatments within the vein clinic to potentially prevent or halt the progression of varicose veins as well as offering the Venefit™ procedure to seal off diseased veins. Our screenings for Strokes, Heart Disease, and abdominal aneurysms offer a low cost screening of disease with a high reward to preserve your quality of life. Call or click today to set up an appointment to get screened today
318-442-0106 or www.lacvt.com/

We appreciate you all!
10/07/2025

We appreciate you all!

Happy Emergency Nurses Week! 💙
We’re grateful for the nurses who collaborate with our teams every day, providing expert care and unwavering support to the patients we serve together.

🌟 We’re Everywhere You Need Us! 🌟Friday, October 10, 2025, is shaping up to be a big day for CENLA — AND for our team at...
10/06/2025

🌟 We’re Everywhere You Need Us! 🌟

Friday, October 10, 2025, is shaping up to be a big day for CENLA — AND for our team at Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute and Diabetes Relief of Louisiana! ❤️💙

This year, two of our favorite events are happening on the same day — and we wouldn’t dream of missing either one! So we’re DIVIDING and CONQUERING! 💪✨

📍 Hardtner Medical Center Health Fair
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📫 1102 North Pine Road, Olla, LA

📍 Senior Citizens Day at the Rapides Parish Fair
🕣 8:30 AM – Noon
📫 State Evac Shelter, Hwy 71 South

No matter where you are this Friday — Olla or Alexandria — our team will be there to serve, support, and share resources to keep our communities heart healthy and thriving. 💓

We can’t wait to see you! 🩺🎉

10/03/2025
🌟 Supporting Our Neighbors in Need 🌟Dr. Gary Jones proudly supports the mission of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana — ...
10/03/2025

🌟 Supporting Our Neighbors in Need 🌟

Dr. Gary Jones proudly supports the mission of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana — to alleviate hunger and provide hope across our community.

Thank you to Linda Hutson (Director of Development and Community Relations for the Food Bank of Central Louisiana) for inviting us to the annual “Food for Thought” luncheon on Thursday, October 2.

The goal of the luncheon was to raise unrestricted funds for vital programs and to give attendees a closer look at the Food Bank’s mission:
💛 To collaborate with community partners
♻️ Eliminate food waste
🍎 Channel nutritious food to neighbors in need

Food Bank of Central Louisiana

👟 KEEPING LOUISIANA WALKING IN JENA, LA 👟🖤💛🖤💛💛🖤September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month — a time to ...
10/01/2025

👟 KEEPING LOUISIANA WALKING IN JENA, LA 👟🖤💛🖤💛

💛🖤September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness about early detection, education, and the power of prevention.

🏃‍♀️👟 As we close out PAD awareness month, we want to give a shout out to some of our own who joined in on the fun at the “Run for the Future” 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run in Jena, Louisiana, supporting the Class of 2026 & Operation Graduation 🎓 — a drug- and alcohol-free celebration that gives graduating seniors a safe and memorable way to mark their milestone.

👏👏👏 We’re so proud of Lori Francis, Director of Diabetes Relief and Metabolic & Longevity Clinic of Louisiana, who placed 1st in her age division and 4th overall female in the 5K🥇👏 As well as friends of LACVT, Mr. And Mrs. Phillips, who also placed 1st in their division for the 5K-proof that you are never too old to begin or maintain a healthy lifestyle!

High School

09/30/2025

👣👟TUESDAY TIP: TAKE A WALK TODAY👟👣

As we wrap up Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, remember this:
Walking isn’t just exercise — it’s medicine for your arteries. 🚶‍♂️💪

PAD is a serious condition that can lead to pain, wounds, and even amputations if left untreated. But early detection and simple steps — like daily walking — can make all the difference.

That’s why Dr. Gary Jones, cardiovascular surgeon and founder of KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING, is on a mission to:

👟 Raise awareness
🩺 Encourage screenings for peripheral artery disease
🧠 Educate our communities
💡 Prevent avoidable amputations

✅ TUESDAY TIP: TAKE A WALK TODAY — EVEN 10 MINUTES COUNTS!

Call us today at LACVT to schedule a screening for Peripheral Artery Disease! 📞(318) 442-0106

09/29/2025

🎥 Watch the Moment!
🚶‍♀️ 81-YEAR-OLD DR. JUDY BENJAMIN SPEAKS WITH DR. GARY JONES AS SHE WALKS ACROSS AMERICA 💜👟

On September 19th in Krotz Springs, Louisiana, Dr. Gary P. Jones, cardiovascular surgeon and founder of KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING, had the honor of speaking with Dr. Judy Benjamin — the 81-year-old powerhouse walking across America from California to Florida to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease. 🗺️💪

Today, Dr. Benjamin will reach an extraordinary milestone: 2,000 miles on her journey! She’ll celebrate in New Orleans at 1:00 PM (CT), going LIVE with Alzheimer’s researcher Dr. Dale Bredesen. 🧠✨

Dr. Jones was deeply moved by Judy’s courage and determination — and by the powerful reminder that our brain, heart, and legs are all connected.

Most people don’t realize it, but diabetes and vascular disease can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease through:
🧠 Insulin resistance in the brain (affecting memory)
🔥 Chronic inflammation (damaging blood vessels and brain cells)
❤️ Reduced blood flow (starving the brain of oxygen & nutrients)

That’s one of the reasons why Dr. Jones created KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING — a statewide PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) health initiative focused on education, early detection, and intervention to prevent amputations and improve vascular health.

This PAD Awareness Month, let’s celebrate Judy’s remarkable journey, learn the signs of PAD, and take steps toward healthier hearts, brains, and legs. ❤️👟

To sign up for the webinar, click the link below: 👇
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BBAgULZTf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Dale Bredesen, MD

Real, medical grade peptides.Real, licensed medical providers.Combined decades of experience taking care of patients.Som...
09/24/2025

Real, medical grade peptides.
Real, licensed medical providers.
Combined decades of experience taking care of patients.

Some of our patients need traditional therapy, some need low-dose, some need no-dose. We can help you make an informed decision regarding what is best for YOU.

Large studies show GLP-1 medicines can lower the risk of:
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart-related death

Give us a call, safeguard your heart🫀
318-442-0106

🌟TUESDAY TIP WITH DR. JUDY BENJAMIN🌟👣 Last Friday in Krotz Springs, we caught up with Dr. Judy Benjamin, an 81-year-old ...
09/23/2025

🌟TUESDAY TIP WITH DR. JUDY BENJAMIN🌟

👣 Last Friday in Krotz Springs, we caught up with Dr. Judy Benjamin, an 81-year-old National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach who is walking 3,000 miles across the U.S. to bring awareness to Alzheimer's disease! 🧠

Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 67, she became Dr. Dale Bredesen’s “patient zero” and completely overhauled her lifestyle. She credits Dr. Bredesen’s program for reversing symptoms and restoring her health.

How is her story connected to PAD Awareness Month?
🩸 People with PAD and type 2 diabetes face higher risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s due to poor circulation, inflammation, and insulin resistance.
💡 Like Dr. Benjamin, Dr. Gary Jones emphasizes the power of daily walking to protect both your legs and your brain (KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING).

👉 Tuesday Tip: Protect your future — keep walking. Every step improves circulation, strengthens memory, and supports long-term health.

STAY TUNED! We’ll be sharing more soon about our incredible visit with Dr. Benjamin and her inspiring 3,000-mile journey.



Check out the links below to learn more about Dr. Judy Benjamin and her amazing journey! 👇

https://www.foxnews.com/health/woman-alzheimers-begins-3000-mile-walk-raise-awareness

https://youtu.be/THYRH2JZEjI?si=kzem563w-hV7Gfz-

judywalks.com

✨ Faith, Trust, and a Second Chance at Life ✨21 years ago, Pastor Steve Speer of HIS Church in Pineville faced a life-th...
09/18/2025

✨ Faith, Trust, and a Second Chance at Life ✨

21 years ago, Pastor Steve Speer of HIS Church in Pineville faced a life-threatening diagnosis — a 99% blockage in his Left Anterior Descending artery, often called the “widowmaker.”

In that moment, he knew there were only two places to put his trust:
🙏 In God, for strength and healing
❤️ In Dr. Gary Jones, the surgeon he knew could guide him through bypass surgery

That surgery became a turning point in Pastor Speer’s life. Today, he lives with purpose, health, and gratitude — a daily reminder of God’s grace and the power of skilled medical care.

🎥 Watch as Pastor Speer shares his incredible journey of faith, healing, and hope.

HIS Church in Pineville

✨ Faith, Trust, and a Second Chance at Life ✨21 years ago, Pastor Steve Speer of HIS Church in Pineville faced a life-threatening diagnosis — a 99% blockage ...

What an amazing story. Not only is Dr. Speer “Keeping Louisiana Walking,” but he is running -post bypass- and sharing hi...
09/18/2025

What an amazing story. Not only is Dr. Speer “Keeping Louisiana Walking,” but he is running -post bypass- and sharing his faith along the way🫀🙏🏼👏🏻

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tzzyr_logVg&fbclid=IwRlRTSAM40QNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHm_yItF01UCVJVFCAZJ3e3UV0OkFESxCzzo5Ki1GnkZAC5e7qJ1ChKtIqQQj_aem__36Hf7lz1RkQcUH2IeLT5A

✨ Faith, Trust, and a Second Chance at Life ✨21 years ago, Pastor Steve Speer of HIS Church in Pineville faced a life-threatening diagnosis — a 99% blockage ...

📰 Hot Off the Press – Catahoula News Booster Feature! 📰👟 This morning’s issue of the Catahoula News Booster spotlights D...
09/17/2025

📰 Hot Off the Press – Catahoula News Booster Feature! 📰

👟 This morning’s issue of the Catahoula News Booster spotlights Dr. Gary Jones’s mission to stop preventable amputations through his statewide health initiative KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING.

PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) affects up to 12 million Americans, and far too many Louisianans are losing their legs to this silent disease. Dr. Jones is fighting back — one patient, one screening, one conversation at a time.

💬 “When people see the red sneaker, they stop and ask about it. That is exactly what I want — a conversation about something deadly serious.” – Dr. Gary Jones

✅ This September – PAD Awareness Month – we encourage you to:
👟 Get screened early for PAD
🧠 Learn the signs: leg pain, cramping, numbness, slow-healing wounds
📢 Talk with your loved ones and spread the word

Together, we can change the pattern, save limbs, and ❤️

🖱️ Pick up today’s Catahoula News Booster or read the full article online to learn more about Dr. Jones’s crusade to end preventable amputations.

Catahoula News Booster

Address

3311 Prescott Road, Ste 202
Alexandria, LA
71301

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

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About Louisiana Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute

Louisiana Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute is a leading cardiovascular health center serving residents of Alexandria, Louisiana. Led by board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Gary P. Jones, MD, FACS, the practice provides state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and treatments.

Dr. Jones and his team offer comprehensive care for cardiac and vascular health issues ranging from peripheral artery disease and diabetes to atherosclerosis and patent ductus arteriosus. They offer innovative surgical interventions for the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, such as minimally invasive valve surgical services, aneurysm repair, and stenting.

Louisiana Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute also offers treatments for vascular health complications such as foot and leg ulcers. The team provides personalized wound care to reduce the risk of infection and amputation.

Residents from Alexandria and the surrounding parishes can make appointments at Louisiana Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute by calling the office or using the online booking tool. Dr. Jones and his team welcome new patients and accept most insurance plans.