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Louisianans who choose to do so are now able to access their COVID-19 vaccination record through a new, optional feature of the state’s digital driver’s license, the LA Wallet app, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Wednesday.
“If someone wants to have a digital copy of their vaccination record, they should be able to easily get one at no cost, which is what this optional feature of LA Wallet allows them to do. This enhancement is about connecting people with their own personal health information in a simple, secure way,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “The LA Wallet app is free, safe, and private and people who use it are assured that their personal health information is well protected.”
LA Wallet launched in 2018 as Louisiana’s Digital Driver’s License App. It is available on both the Apple App store and the Google Play store and is a legal driver’s license for all in the state of Louisiana.
Live helpdesk, chat, and the LA Wallet website will be available for support.
People without access to smartphones can get printed copies of their vaccine records from their parish health unit or from any provider that administers vaccines and uses the LINKS system. Residents can also print their complete immunization record through MyIR.
For more information about LA Wallet, visit lawallet.com.

Darren Oscar Welch Sr., 49, a resident and native of Franklin, La., passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 14, 2021 at 10:21 a.m. at his residence.
A public viewing will be conducted from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday May 8, 2021 at Jones Funeral Home 1101 Main Street Franklin, La. (All visitors are asked to adhere to the CDC-local regulations by wearing masks and practicing social distancing).
Memories of Darren Sr. will forever remain in the hearts of his son, Darren Welch, Jr.; siblings, Joseph Kirkland of Four Corners, La. and Nathaniel Welch of New Iberia, La., Darlene Spain of Baldwin, La., Frankie Mae Welch, of Franklin, La., Loretta Ann Welch of Four Corners, La. and Annette Landry of Houston, TX; one grandchild and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Darren Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, and both his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Arrangements entrusted to Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma. Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family

Can crawfish succeed where Dr. Fauci has failed?

The Hospital Service District No. 2 board on Wednesday kicked around the idea of a crawfish boil to bring people together to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“We’re fishing right now,” said Dr. William Cefalu, who chairs the board. “We’re fishing for shoulders to get some vaccine into.”

The district owns the hospital that Ochsner Health System operates as Ochsner St. Mary.

As in other portions of the country, winter’s rush for vaccinations and limited vaccine supplies have given way to ample supplies and a slower pace for vaccinations.

President Joe Biden spoke this week about moving away from mass vaccination events and focusing on smaller events in rural areas.

At Gov. John Bel Edwards’ press conference Wednesday, Public Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter spoke about trying to reach people who aren't opposed to vaccinations but have been slow to get shots or need answers to questions about vaccination.

In Louisiana Department of Health Region 3, which stretches east from St. Mary and Assumption parishes to St. John the Baptist Parish, the vaccination rate is 23.53%, according to the latest update from the Office of Public Health.

In St. Mary, the rate is 21.16%. In Assumption, 20.86% of adults have been vaccinated.

In St. Martin, which is part of Region 4, the vaccination rate is 18.08%.

Ochsner St. Mary has begun using billboards and radio advertising to encourage people to get vaccinated.

Cefalu, who is a physician, said he's finding people who are difficult to persuade to get the shots.

"My patients trust me, and I still have trouble convincing them ..., " Cefalu said. "If you could see what I see, you'd go running for a vaccine."

COVID-19 shouldn't be compared with the flu, he said.

"You could be doing everything right," Cefalu said. "You could be a young person. It seems like a chip shot." And yet you can become seriously ill with COVID.

He said people shouldn't be deterred by the minor side effects that may follow vaccinations.

After his own vaccination, Cefalus had a 101-degree fever that was easily treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

He also experienced chills for a few hours.

"I was smiling and thinking I'd much rather have the cold chills" than be sick with COVID-19, Cefalu said.

He's looking into the possibility of having the vaccination even with crawfish as the incentive. The event would probably be at the end of May.

St. Mary Parish has now had 3,648 confirmed COVID cases and another 1,049 listed as probable. The OPH has reported 137 deaths here.

St. Martin has had 4,784 confirmed cases, 483 probable cases and 116 deaths.

Assumption has had 1,578 confirmed cases, 610 probable cases and 36 deaths.

Also at Wednesday's hospital board meeting, the board approved a motion from member Nick Morris authorizing a possible cooperative agreement to provide combat tourniquets to local police departments. The tourniquets can be used quickly to stop bleeding from wounds on arms or legs.

Pregnancy takes a toll on a woman’s body and produces an assortment of biological changes. After confronting and managing those changes for nine months and ultimately giving birth, it’s not uncommon for women to look for ways to feel how they did prior to becoming pregnant.
One such way is through exercise, though it’s important that women avoid rushing into new fitness regimens after giving birth.
Why exercise after pregnancy?
Infants require round-the-clock attention, and women tend to be their primary caregivers in the first few months. That’s especially so for women who intend to breastfeed.
Nightly wakeup calls in the middle of the night are just one of the challenges associated with caring for infants, and given the extent of those challenges, it’s easy to put exercise on the back burner. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gyne-cologists cites a host of benefits of exercise for postpartum women. Exercise strengthens and tones abdominal muscles, helps improve energy levels, and can even help to relieve the stress that comes with caring for an infant.
In addition, the American Psychological Association notes that exercising after pregnancy, once women get the green light to do so from their physicians, may help women avoid or reduce the severity of postpartum depression. The APA estimates that PPD affects as many as one in seven women and notes that it won’t go away on its own, making exercise a valuable tool in the fight against PPD.
How much exercise do I need after giving birth?
No two women are the same, so it’s imperative that women discuss how they feel with their physicians after giving birth. Some women are ready to exercise the day after giving birth, while others may need more recovery time.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week.
Various 10-minute sessions throughout the day can help women meet that recommendation without making them feel overtaxed. However, women should not begin exercising after childbirth without first getting the go-ahead from their physicians.
What is moderate-intensity aerobic activity?
The ACOG notes that brisk walking and riding a bicycle on level ground qualify as moderate-intensity aerobic activity. So a brisk, half-hour walk with baby in stroller can help women meet the daily recommended amounts of exercise.
What about breastfeeding and exercise?
Women should still be able to exercise even if they’re breastfeeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gyne-cologists recommends that mothers feed their babies or express their milk prior to working out so they can avoid any discomfort that may result from engorged breasts.
When exercising, make a concerted effort to stay hydrated and wear a well-fitting bra that provides ample support and protection to the breasts.
Exercising after pregnancy can benefit mothers in myriad ways. More information can be found at www.acog.org.