National Nutrition Month: General Nutrition Tips

If diet is a "bank account" and good food choices are good "investments,” it’s a good time to start investing in yourself and your family!

*Please see your doctor regarding nutrition/weight concerns.

A grocery store shelf filled with lots of fruits and vegetables.

Make every bite count

A healthy eating routine can help boost your health now and in the future, plus showing your children healthy food choices can set them up with good habits all their lives. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing chronic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease.


Check in with your doctor

While there are generally accepted healthy nutrition choices, your doctor can help you target your and your family’s overall needs, especially if there are underlying health conditions such as diabetes, food allergies, or if you have specific weight goals.

MyPlate, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has replaced the older food pyramid guide and can also help you stay on track with great choices as well as how much to serve. Generally,


• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives.


• Limit added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. If you’re buying packaged food, read the nutrition facts and ingredient list, and look for the Heart-Check Mark to find foods that have been certified by the American Heart Association as heart-healthy.


When it’s too much of a good thing


Good calories can add up, and you may be surprised to learn how much is in a serving size.


In an average 2,000-calories-per-day adult diet, the American Heart Association suggests the below; more details can be found here. Remember that your calorie needs may be different depending on your age, activity level, and whether you are trying to lose, gain, or maintain your weight, as well as other dietary needs that your doctor may discuss with you.


Vegetables

Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried — Two and a half (2 1/2) servings per day, including dark green, red/orange, starchy, and other; examples of one vegetable serving:


• 2 cups raw leafy salad greens

• 1 cup cut-up vegetables


Fruits


Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried — Two (2) servings of fruit per day; examples of one fruit serving:


• One medium whole fruit

• 1 cup cut-up fruit


Grains (Whole grain rather than refined grain products)


Six (6) servings of grains per day; examples of one serving of grains:


• One slice of bread or one small tortilla

• 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal flakes

• 1 ounce (⅛ cup) uncooked pasta or rice (½ cup cooked rice, pasta or cereal)


Dairy (Low-fat and fat-free)


Three (3) servings per day; examples of one dairy serving:


• 1 cup milk or yogurt

• 1 ounce cheese (size of one domino)


Proteins


Choose from legumes and nuts; fish and seafood; and if you eat meat, lean cuts, and skinless poultry; avoid processed meats that equal five and a half ounces (5 ½-ounces) per day. Below are examples of one-ounce servings to combine:


• 1/4 cup cooked beans, peas or lentils, or tofu

• 1/2 ounce nuts or seeds or 1 tablespoon peanut butter

• One whole egg or two egg whites


Note: Cooked seafood, meat, or poultry — three ounces looks like a deck of cards


Get the most out of your food budget


Eating healthy doesn’t have to cost a lot. Here are some tips and recipes from the American Heart Association:


• Prepare menus and grocery lists ahead to help keep you from making impulse food choices, which often aren’t healthy.

• Use technology. There’s an app for that. Look for a grocery list or meal-planning app with a grocery list feature.

• Cook on the weekends. If your weekdays are busy, prep ahead or cook over the weekend and store the meals in the fridge or freezer.

• Prep snacks. Cut up fruits and vegetables and keep them handy in individual portions in the fridge.

• Buy fresh produce in season. You’ll pay more in the fall and winter when some are shipped from warmer climates. Big idea: When treating yourself and your family, choose out-of-season fresh foods rather than processed foods.


Commit to investing in good health



Proper nutrition for you and your family delivers a return on investment for years to come. Start today!

A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Blood Tests

August 28, 2026
Blood tests are common tools healthcare providers use to understand what is happening inside the body. Whether part of a routine physical, a preventive visit, or an evaluation for a specific concern, blood tests give valuable information about overall health. Seeing a list of numbers and medical terms on a lab report can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics helps patients feel more informed. Bayou Bend Health System offers comprehensive healthcare services and helps patients understand their lab results and what they may mean for their wellness. Why Are Blood Tests Important? Blood tests can provide healthcare providers with information that may not be apparent during a physical examination. They can help monitor overall health, identify likely concerns, and monitor changes over time. Depending on the type of test ordered, blood work may provide information about: • Blood cell counts • Blood sugar levels • Cholesterol and heart health • Kidney and liver function • Electrolyte levels • Nutritional deficiencies • Inflammation or infection • Other indicators of overall health Routine blood tests help healthcare providers spot changes early, so patients can talk over next steps. Understanding a Complete Blood Count (CBC) A complete blood count, or CBC, is a frequently ordered blood test. It measures different types of blood cells and provides information about several aspects of health. A CBC may include measurements of: • Red blood cells that disperse oxygen throughout the body • White blood cells, that fight unwanted infections from spreading • Hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen • Hematocrit, which measures the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells • Platelets, which help with blood clotting A healthcare provider explains what individual results mean based on a patient’s health history and other findings. What Do Blood Sugar Tests Tell You? Blood glucose testing measures blood sugar. These tests screen for or monitor blood sugar conditions, including diabetes. Common blood sugar tests include fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C. An A1C test estimates average blood sugar levels over the previous several months. Understanding blood sugar results helps patients and providers discuss nutrition, physical activity, medications, and other factors supporting healthy glucose levels. Understanding Cholesterol and Lipid Tests Cholesterol testing is a common part of preventive healthcare. A lipid panel measures overall cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. These numbers help healthcare providers evaluate cardiovascular risk alongside elements such as age, blood pressure, family history, lifestyle, and existing health conditions. A single cholesterol number doesn't tell the whole story. Your provider can help interpret your results within the context of your overall health. What Does It Mean When a Result Is “High” or “Low”? Seeing a result marked high or low can cause concern. However, a result outside the reference range does not automatically mean something is wrong. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, test, and individual factors. Providers consider the complete picture—including symptoms, medical history, medications, and other test results—when interpreting laboratory findings. Patients should avoid self-diagnosing based on individual numbers. Instead, discuss questions or unexpected results with a qualified healthcare professional. Take an Active Role in Your Health Understanding your blood tests can make healthcare visits less confusing and help you have more productive conversations with your provider. If you receive lab results you don't understand, ask questions and ask for an explanation of what the numbers mean for your health. At Bayou Bend Health System, our healthcare professionals are committed to helping patients understand their health and help make informed decisions about their care. Whether you need routine blood work, preventive care, or help understanding your lab results, our team is here to help.  Schedule an appointment today by calling (337) 828-0760 and take an important step toward gaining insight and managing your health.

Back-to-School Prep: Why Physicals and Vaccines Matter Before the First Bell

July 29, 2026
As summer ends, families prepare for a successful school year with new supplies, updated schedules, and fresh goals. While shopping for backpacks and school clothes is important, one essential part of back-to-school preparation is ensuring children are healthy and ready to learn. Routine physicals, recommended vaccines, and preventive healthcare visits help students start the year feeling their best. Bayou Bend Health System provides comprehensive pediatric and family healthcare services to support children and families throughout the school year. Schedule a Back-to-School Physical Exam A yearly physical exam is important to preserve a child’s overall health. These visits let healthcare providers monitor growth, development, and wellness while identifying concerns before they become bigger issues . During a back-to-school physical, providers may review: Height, weight, and growth patterns Blood pressure and vital signs Vision and hearing health Nutrition and physical activity habits Sleep routines and overall wellness Medical history and current health concerns These appointments also give families a chance to ask questions about their child’s health, discuss changes, and get guidance to support healthy habits throughout the school year. Stay Up to Date on Recommended Vaccines Vaccinations are a key part of back-to-school preparation. Immunizations protect children from preventable diseases and help create a healthier school environment by reducing the spread of infections among students, teachers, and families. Depending on age and vaccination history, children may need routine immunizations or booster shots before returning to class. Medical professionals can review records, identify missing vaccines, and help families create a plan to keep children protected. Common school-required or recommended vaccines may include protection against: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) Chickenpox (varicella) Meningococcal disease Influenza (flu) Other recommended childhood illnesses Keeping immunizations current helps students attend school safely and confidently. Prepare for Sports and Physical Activities For children in sports, physical activity programs, or extracurricular activities, a sports physical may be required before participation. These evaluations determine if a child is ready for physical activity and let providers identify likely concerns related to heart health, injuries, or other conditions. A sports physical can also be a great time to discuss injury prevention, proper nutrition, hydration, and safe exercise habits. Address Vision, Hearing, and Other Health Concerns Children rely on healthy vision and hearing to participate fully in class. Difficulty seeing the board, hearing instructions, or focusing on lessons can affect educational performance and confidence. A physical exam can help identify concerns early and connect families with additional care when needed. Dealing with these issues before the school year begins allows students to focus on learning free of unnecessary barriers. Support Your Child’s Mental and Emotional Wellness Back-to-school preparation is not only about physical health. Returning to school brings excitement, new challenges, and changes in routines. Healthcare visits provide a chance to discuss mental well-being, stress, anxiety, sleep habits, and other concerns that may affect a child’s success. Candid talks about mental health help children feel cared for as they manage academic and social experiences throughout the year. Start the School Year with Confidence A healthy start can have a notable effect on a child’s school experience. Scheduling physicals, updating vaccines, and handling health concerns before the first day of class help children enter the school year prepared for success. At Bayou Bend Health System, our team is focused on providing compassionate, comprehensive care for children and families. If your child needs a routine checkup, immunizations, sports clearance, or guidance toward maintaining good health, our providers are here to help. Schedule your child’s back-to-school visit today by calling 337-907-6764 and take an important move toward a healthy and successful school year. 

Meet Dr. Kelly Bewsey, MD, PhD: Expert Urologic Care Close to Home

June 30, 2026
Many people delay seeking urinary care due to embarrassment, uncertainty, or the belief that symptoms are a normal part of aging. However, most urologic conditions are highly treatable, and early intervention can positively affect quality of life. Bayou Bend Health System welcomes Kelly Bewsey, MD, PhD, a skilled urologist dedicated to helping patients achieve better urinary and reproductive health through compassionate, bespoke care. Comprehensive Urology Services for Men and Women Dr. Bewsey offers expert evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for a broad range of urologic conditions in both men and women. He is committed to helping patients find effective solutions and regain confidence in their daily lives, whether they are experiencing symptoms or seeking preventive care. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections are a common reason for seeking urologic care. Though occasional UTIs are often treated quickly, recurrent infections may signal an underlying issue that needs further evaluation. Dr. Bewsey works with patients to identify the cause of recurring infections and develop treatment plans to help prevent future episodes. Kidney Stones Kidney stones can cause severe pain and frequently require specialized care. Dr. Bewsey provides comprehensive management, including diagnostic evaluations, treatment options, and preventive approaches to reduce the risk of future stones. Bladder Health and Overactive Bladder Bladder conditions can interrupt daily activities, sleep, work, and social engagements. Patients with frequent urination, urgency, or difficulty controlling their bladder may benefit from evaluation for overactive bladder or related conditions. Dr. Bewsey develops individualized treatment plans to improve bladder function and restore comfort. Hematuria (Blood in the Urine) Blood in the urine should never be ignored. Hematuria can result from infections, kidney stones, or more serious conditions. Dr. Bewsey provides thorough diagnostic evaluations to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Prostate Health and Screenings Prostate health is an important aspect of preventive care for men. Regular screenings can detect concerns early, when treatment is most effective. Dr. Bewsey offers prostate evaluations, screenings, and ongoing management to help patients make educated choices regarding their health. Erectile Dysfunction Erectile dysfunction influences millions of men and may significantly affect confidence, relationships, and well-being. Dr. Bewsey works with patients to identify contributing factors and explore treatment options that address both physical and emotional aspects. Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Disorders Urinary leakage and pelvic floor disorders are common but often underreported. These conditions can impact individuals of all ages and may result from childbirth, aging, surgery, or other health factors. Dr. Bewsey provides complete evaluations and care plans to improve bladder control and pelvic health. Personal Care You Can Trust At Bayou Bend Health System, we recognize that urologic concerns can be sensitive and difficult to discuss. Dr. Kelly Bewsey is committed to establishing a welcoming environment where patients are comfortable sharing their symptoms and concerns. Through advanced diagnostics, evidence-based treatments, and patient-focused care, he helps individuals achieve better health outcomes and improved quality of life.  If you are experiencing urinary symptoms, have concerns about prostate health, or want to learn more about available urology services, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kelly Bewsey, MD, PhD. Expert urologic care is now available close to home at Bayou Bend Health System.