St. Charles Parish Hospital

12/15/2025

Meet Melissa F. Taravella, NP, who is a primary care provider at Ochsner Health St. Charles Parish Hospital.

With more than 15 years of nursing experience (including extensive work in emergency care), Melissa brings skilled, compassionate care to patients of all ages. She focuses on preventive health, chronic condition management and building long-term relationships with her patients.

She is now accepting new patients. Call 985-785-5771 to schedule. https://www.ochsner.org/doctors/melissa-taravella/?utm_source=ExtNet&utm_medium=Yext

12/11/2025

Help save lives! Donate blood at our upcoming blood drive.

📍 Ochsner Mobile Bus - South Entrance
🕖 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Every donation matters. Thank you for giving!

12/08/2025

Healthy habits start with clean hands. 🧼 During Hand-Washing Awareness Week, we’re reminding families that regular hand-washing is one of the best ways to protect kids from seasonal colds, flu and stomach bugs.

Teach little ones to scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It's about the same time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

Small steps keep families healthy.

12/05/2025

Life moves fast. When you’re not feeling your best, access to healthcare matters. 🩺 Whether it’s fever, cough, sore throat or everyday concerns, our team is here with same-day appointments to help you feel better sooner.

Call today to book a same-day visit with an Ochsner provider.

11/28/2025

Meet Ashley Cooper, NP: one of Ochsner Health’s dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Ashley provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for adults, focusing on personalized treatment that supports every patient’s well-being. She earned her MSN as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of South Alabama and is board-certified by the ANCC.

Now accepting new patients. Schedule your appointment today: https://www.ochsner.org/doctors/ashley-cooper-np/

11/27/2025

Wondering if turkey is really to blame for feeling sleepy after your Thanksgiving meal? Get the facts about turkey, tryptophan and what’s actually behind those post-dinner yawns.

Turkey is often blamed for post-Thanksgiving dinner drowsiness, with its high tryptophan levels cited as the reason. Is it true?

11/27/2025

From comforting words to life-changing care, our healthcare teams make a difference every single day. We’re proud of the dedicated professionals who show up for our community with compassion and strength. Who’s a healthcare hero you’re especially thankful for? Share their name or story below! 👇

11/26/2025

Managing acid reflux doesn’t have to be complicated. Jenny Kuo, MD, and Victoria Smith, MD, share eight simple tips to help you take control of your digestive health and feel your best.🔥

Discover proven strategies for acid reflux relief and GERD management. Get tips for heartburn prevention through lifestyle changes, medications, and advanced treatments.

11/26/2025

A healthy gut means a healthier body and mind. 🌿 From digestion to immune support, the balance of bacteria in your intestines affects everything from energy to chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Ochsner Health’s Digital Medicine program can help you track your health, manage blood sugar and blood pressure, and get personalized lifestyle support all from home. Start taking small steps today for better gut health and overall wellness. 🩺

The gut is often described as the "second brain." It's important to know what gut health means and how it affects your health.

11/25/2025

Meet Dr. Rahil Devendra Shah: a gastroenterologist at Ochsner Health who is dedicated to keeping your digestive system healthy.

He earned his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean. He completed his residency and gastroenterology fellowship at Providence Hospital. With years of experience, Dr. Shah provides expert care for a wide range of digestive conditions.

Take charge of your gut health, and schedule your appointment today: ochsner.org/doctors/rahil-devendra-shah-md/?utm_source=ExtNet&utm_medium=Yext

11/25/2025

Ready for your holiday road trip?🎄Alyssa Lyon, MD, shares simple ways to make your drive safe, smooth and stress-free. From checking your car to staying alert, these helpful road trip tips will get you to your holiday destination safely.

You can also see how Ochsner Connected Anywhere brings expert care within easy reach, no matter where your journey takes you.

Driving home for the holidays? Read our holiday travel tips to ensure your road trip is safe, prepared for and stress-free.

11/25/2025

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs most commonly in the fall and winter months. Psychiatrist Rachel Csaki, MD, explains how it is treated.

Seasonal affective disorder is more common in people living farther from the equator, where there are fewer daylight hours in the winter.

11/24/2025

Our team joined local Thanksgiving food drives across our parish and community to help make sure every family has meals for the holiday season. From packing boxes to handing out food, it was meaningful to be part of an effort that supports our neighbors in a real way.

We are truly grateful for the volunteers and community partners who showed up with so much heart. Their commitment is what makes this work possible.

11/24/2025

Good posture can boost your comfort, confidence and overall health throughout the day. Dr. Nathan Harrison provides tips to help you stand, sit and move with better alignment and ease.

Learn simple posture tips for standing, sitting and sleeping to help relieve back pain. Discover how to improve your posture for better overall health.

11/24/2025

Psychologist Sunni Primeaux, PhD, discusses how ADHD affects adults and the treatments that can help.

While ADHD can present challenges to people affected by it, Ochsner offers treatments that can help.

11/24/2025

This inherited condition can interfere with your liver's ability to protect your lungs and other organs from infections or inhaled irritants.

11/21/2025

We’re proud to highlight Melissa Landry (Phlebotomist and Specimen Processor) for her compassion, integrity and exceptional patient care. Melissa consistently goes above and beyond. She builds meaningful connections and anticipates patient needs, including personally assisting a longtime patient with mobility support during every visit.
Melissa is a dependable teammate who steps in whenever needed and brings positivity to every interaction.
Thank you, Melissa, for the impact you make every day.

11/21/2025

Join us in welcoming Ariana Hutcherson-Perry, PA-C, to the Ochsner Medical Complex - Clearview primary care team!

Hutcherson-Perry’s approach to care focuses on building lasting relationships with her patients. She is passionate about creating personalized, realistic health goals that fit each person’s lifestyle. Her clinical interests include women’s health, preventive care, nutrition and exercise.

Originally from Maryland, Hutcherson-Perry earned a Master of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies from Xavier University of Louisiana. She takes time to listen and understand each patient’s needs, providing the highest quality of care.

Outside the clinic, she enjoys gardening, walking her dog and exploring new restaurants with her husband.

Learn more or schedule an appointment with Ariana Hutcherson-Perry: https://ow.ly/NLhl50XoJ1R

11/21/2025

Sisters Sally C. and Anne E. share more than just a family bond; they share a story of survival.

Both were diagnosed with the same type of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma. Thanks to proactive screening and the single-event anesthesia program at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center, doctors were able to diagnose and treat their cancer on the same day.

From diagnosis to surgery to recovery, everything went smoothly for the sisters. Sally said she was home making turkey gumbo the day after her surgery.

Because of this innovative treatment, Sally and Anne are cancer-free and living life to the fullest.

"I no longer worry about, 'Do I have cancer?'" Anne said. "I’m grateful that there are people smarter than me that have figured out how to make cancer not so scary. And also how to diagnose it at an early stage so it’s not that life-altering diagnosis anymore."

Learn more about lung cancer care at Ochsner: https://www.ochsner.org/services/lung-cancer-multi-disciplinary-program/

See more of Sally and Anne's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8RsJ05dImg

11/21/2025

🖐️ From typing to texting, our hands work hard. Pain can make everyday tasks difficult. Conditions like carpal tunnel, arthritis, trigger finger, gout and repetitive strain injuries can cause discomfort. The good news? Ochsner Health specialists offer treatments to relieve pain and get you back to doing what you love. https://blog.ochsner.org/articles/why-do-my-hands-hurt-5-reasons-for-the-pain/

Chronic pain in your hands can be caused by a variety of reasons, but there are things you can do to help minimize the discomfort.

11/20/2025

Meet Dr. Ronald “Jay” French Jr. who is an expert in shoulder, elbow and hand surgery.

With more than 24 years of experience, Dr. French completed his training at Tulane University, Florida Orthopedic Institute and Baylor College of Medicine. He’s been on staff at Ochsner Health since 2013, providing expert care and helping patients regain strength and mobility. From advanced surgeries to volunteer work caring for landmine victims in Cambodia, Dr. French brings skill and compassion to every patient.

Schedule your appointment today to get the care you deserve: ochsner.org/doctors/ronald-french-jr/?utm_source=ExtNet&utm_medium=Yext

11/20/2025

Is big toe pain slowing you down? GaChavis Green, DPM, shares tips for preventing and treating the most common causes of big toe joint pain, including turf toe, gout and osteoarthritis.

Discover common causes of big toe joint pain, including turf toe, gout and bunions, along with effective treatments and prevention tips to keep your feet healthy.

11/19/2025

Many people believe palliative care begins only at the end of life, but it can support patients and families at any stage of a serious illness. Our palliative medicine team focuses on easing pain, managing symptoms and helping you navigate the healthcare system with clarity and compassion.

In this short video, our experts share how early palliative care can bring comfort, dignity and confidence during difficult moments.

Find out how palliative care can help: https://ow.ly/uPgr50XuoZC

11/18/2025

Join us in welcoming Mallory K. Cantero, FNP, to the Ochsner Medical Complex - Clearview internal medicine team!

Cantero provides comprehensive primary care for patients with both chronic and acute conditions. She believes the patient-clinician relationship is built on trust and strives to create a safe, judgment-free space where patients can share their concerns openly.

A New Orleans native, Cantero earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from LSU Health Sciences Center and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2015. She focuses on patient engagement and satisfaction and stays current with the latest clinical guidelines through continuing education.

Outside the clinic, she enjoys reading, watching her children's activities, exploring true-crime documentaries with her husband and cheering for the LSU Tigers.

Learn more or schedule an appointment with Mallory K. Cantero: https://ow.ly/ATk250XoIWe