Let’s Talk Pap Smears—Because Cervical Cancer Doesn’t Wait

By Dr. Ashley Roussell, DNP, FNP-C Today, a patient jokingly complained about waiting five minutes to be seen. Yup—five minutes! If it was even that long. It made me smile, not because I was annoyed, but because it reminded me why I started NOLA Care in the first place. My patients are used to walking in and being seen right away—not waiting an hour, not getting passed around, not feeling like a number. That’s because I built NOLA Care to be different. You see, I spent years in corporate medicine. In that world, patients would wait 30, 45, sometimes 60 minutes just to see someone for a rushed 10-minute visit. And you didn’t complain—because you were lucky to get that appointment after waiting months just to get on the books. It wasn’t just hard for the patients. It was hard for us providers too. We were expected to see a high volume of patients, back-to-back, all day long. That often meant no breaks, no peaceful lunch, and no time to chart. A “quick” lunch break was actually a meeting. The end of the day came with hours of unfinished notes and mounting stress. We were all just trying to survive. But surviving isn’t the same as thriving. People often ask me why I started NOLA Care. And I’ll tell you—it wasn’t because I wanted to burn out. It wasn’t because I wanted my health, happiness, or spirit to suffer. I started NOLA Care because I believed there was a better way. I wanted to create a space where patients feel heard, valued, and respected. Where they can actually talk to their provider without feeling rushed. Where they can be seen promptly—not months from now, and not after sitting silently in a waiting room for an hour. And let’s be honest—I want that same level of care when I’m the patient too. So, yes—my patients are a little “spoiled” in the best way possible. They’ve experienced what it’s like to be truly cared for. And that’s exactly how I want it. If you’re tired of the hustle of traditional healthcare… If you’re overwhelmed by the wait times, the red tape, and the feeling of being just another name on a chart… Take a breather with me. Come experience what healthcare can feel like when it’s centered around you. Now accepting new patients in Jacksonville, FL and New Orleans, LA Call or text 904.701.3610 Learn more at www.nolacarehealth.com

Yes, Adults Can Have ADHD—And Primary Care Can Help If you think ADHD is just a childhood condition… think again. Many people are surprised to learn that ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) doesn’t magically disappear when you turn 18. In fact, for countless adults, the signs were always there—just dismissed, masked, or misunderstood. You weren’t lazy—you were overwhelmed. You weren’t careless—you were managing chaos silently. You didn’t lack motivation—you just had a brain wired differently. At NOLA Care , I’ve had more and more adult patients come in saying things like: “I’ve always struggled with focus, but I thought I just needed to try harder.” “I didn’t realize this wasn’t normal until I saw a TikTok about ADHD.” “I’ve always been forgetful, but now it’s affecting my job and relationships.” And guess what? That’s valid. ADHD in Adults Looks Different Adult ADHD doesn't always show up as hyperactivity. Instead, it can look like: Chronic disorganization Procrastination (until that last-minute burst of panic-fueled productivity) Forgetting important tasks or appointments Difficulty following through on goals or ideas Emotional dysregulation or feeling “too much” all the time Trouble with sleep or time management It’s not that you’re not capable—it’s that your brain is working overtime in ways others might not see. Primary Care is a Starting Point Here’s the good news: you don’t need to suffer in silence or navigate this alone. Primary care providers like myself can screen, diagnose, and treat adult ADHD. At NOLA Care, we listen. We ask questions about your daily function, your work, your relationships—because ADHD doesn’t live in a vacuum. It affects everything. We’ll walk you through treatment options, which may include: Lifestyle support Cognitive-behavioral strategies Medication management Referrals for therapy or neuropsychological testing (if needed) The goal isn’t to “fix” you. It’s to help you function better, feel more in control, and start thriving. You’re Not Broken—You’re Just Wired Differently ADHD doesn’t define you. But getting the right diagnosis and support can change your life. Whether you’re a busy mom, creative entrepreneur, grad student, or corporate professional, it’s never too late to get help. If any of this sounds familiar—come talk to us at NOLA Care. We believe in whole-person care, free of shame and full of support. Because thriving with ADHD starts with knowing you’re not alone—and that help is available.

Let’s talk about something real: mental health—and the stigma that still surrounds it like a shadow. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, professor, and owner of NOLA Care, I’ve seen firsthand the quiet suffering that happens when people feel they can’t speak up. I’ve had patients lower their voices when saying words like “anxiety” or “depression.” I’ve had students hesitate to ask for accommodations, afraid they’ll be seen as weak or incapable. I’ve had friends and family sit on symptoms for years because they were told to “just pray about it” or “shake it off.” And I get it. For too long, especially in communities of color, mental health hasn’t been treated with the same urgency or legitimacy as physical health. We grew up hearing, “What happens in this house stays in this house.” We were told to be strong, to push through, to not complain. But strength doesn’t mean silence. And resilience doesn’t mean neglecting your mind. Mental health is health. Period. At NOLA Care, we’re working hard to shift that narrative. Our clinic is a judgment-free zone. We believe in talking about therapy as easily as we talk about high blood pressure. We believe in screening for anxiety the same way we screen for diabetes. We believe your mental wellbeing deserves just as much attention, compassion, and care as any other part of your body. As an educator, I make it a priority to show future nurses and nurse practitioners how vital this conversation is—how trauma, stress, and stigma show up in our patient interactions and our classrooms. We’re not just treating conditions. We’re treating people. And people deserve to feel seen, safe, and supported. It’s time to: Normalize therapy. Check on your strong friends. Talk to your kids about emotions. Take your own advice. It’s also time to stop assuming someone’s “fine” just because they’re functioning. High-functioning anxiety and depression are real—and often overlooked. You can be booked, busy, and breaking inside. So whether you’re struggling yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to be part of the change—thank you. Let’s keep speaking up, showing up, and making space for healing. Mental health matters. And we’re here to prove it—every day, one patient, one conversation, one act of compassion at a time.

The (A Love Letter to My Hustle and a Gentle Clapback to Burnout) Let me be real—I bossed way too hard. And now? I’m tired. I’m talking “answered patient messages in my sleep, graded assignments with one eye open, scheduled social media content while stirring dinner” kind of tired. Not regular tired. NOLA Care + Teaching + Life tired. When you’re running a business like NOLA Care , providing quality, accessible healthcare in multiple states (hello, Direct Primary Care fam), while also grading late-night SOAP notes, answering student emails, supporting faculty, AND trying to live up to the expectations you set for yourself… whew. It adds up. Fast. I’ve been in full throttle. Building community through care. Showing up for patients like they’re family. Supporting nursing students through every deadline, discussion post, and clinical meltdown. Creating content, running events, solving problems, inspiring futures. Doing all the things—because I love all the things. But here’s the catch: Even when you love it, too much of everything still catches up to you. I went from energized entrepreneur and passionate professor to just trying to remember if I ate lunch today. So I’m giving myself permission to say it: I bossed too hard. And now I need a break. At NOLA Care , I tell my patients all the time: Your health matters. Your mental clarity matters. You can’t pour from an empty cup. So why is it so hard to tell myself the same? Here’s what I’m learning (slowly but surely): Rest is part of the work. Boundaries are a form of self-respect. Saying “not today” doesn't make you any less of a boss—it makes you a wiser one. Whether you're balancing patients, papers, policies, or parenting—it’s okay to step back and take care of you. For me, that looks like turning off the phone, letting the inbox sit untouched for a moment, and finding peace in doing absolutely nothing. So, from your favorite FNP/professor/clinic owner/wife/mama—I’m pausing to recharge. And when I return, I’ll still be a boss. Just one with better sleep, less stress, and maybe even a full water bottle. Let this be your sign, too: If you’re tired, it’s okay. Rest is part of resilience.  Signed Ashley, Your Family Nurse Practitioner

Black Maternal Health Week 2025: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future As Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) wraps up, we pause to reflect on a powerful week of truth-telling, advocacy, and celebration. Initiated by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this national observance is more than a hashtag or campaign—it’s a movement to dismantle systemic inequities and honor the lives of Black mothers and birthing people. The statistics remain alarming: Black women in the U.S. are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. These disparities are driven not by biology, but by systemic racism, inequitable access to care, and implicit bias within healthcare systems. But Black Maternal Health Week is also a time of empowerment, education, and healing. Across the country, communities gathered virtually and in person to spotlight solutions, share stories, and build momentum around birth equity. Spotlight on Change-Makers Here in the South, we’re proud to uplift a few powerful voices and organizations that are leading the charge toward maternal justice: Labor and Love New Orleans Founded by Shanika Valcour-LeDuff, a maternal-child nurse with over 15 years of experience, this grassroots initiative offers education, advocacy, and holistic support to Black birthing families in the New Orleans area. Labor and Love’s work is deeply rooted in community, honoring the sacredness of birth and demanding dignity, safety, and respect for all. The Liam Lives Foundation – Jacksonville, FL Established by Dr. Tiffanie L. Williams in memory of her stillborn son, Liam Elijah Wesley Boatwright, this faith-based nonprofit provides resources for families grieving pregnancy or infant loss. From counseling and memory boxes to funeral assistance and global outreach, Liam Lives is helping families heal while raising awareness about the mental and emotional toll of infant loss. Heather Rollinson – Author, Advocate & Educator Jacksonville’s own Heather Rollinson is the author of The War on the Black Womb: Battling to Dismantle Systemic Oppression in Maternal Health. Through her organization In My Mother’s Womb LLC and her work as Director of Policy and Research at the Liam Lives Foundation, Heather is confronting maternal injustice with bold truth and powerful purpose. Her work also includes mentoring doulas, supporting youth education, and developing culturally competent care models across Florida and South Carolina. Moving Forward, Together While the week may have ended, the mission has not. Black maternal health is a 365-day commitment—and there is room for all of us in this fight. Let’s continue to: Listen to Black women. Support community-led solutions. Advocate for equitable healthcare policies. Celebrate and protect the sacredness of Black motherhood. We invite you to follow and support these leaders and organizations doing transformative work—and to keep the conversation going all year long. Together, we can turn awareness into action and build a world where every Black mother is seen, heard, and safely held.

COLON CANCER SCREENING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (WITHOUT THE STRESS!) Let's be real-talking about colon cancer screening isn't exactly the most exciting topic. But here's the thing: it's one of the most important things you can do for your health, and it's really not as bad as you might think. And YES! I have had one so l can speak in this. (Side note...l am not 40 yet LOL!) So, let's break it down, keep it simple, and take the stress out of it. Why Is Colon Cancer Screening a Big Deal? Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers, but here's the good news: it's also one of the most preventable! When caught early, it's highly treatable, and in many cases, screening can even stop it before it starts by detecting and removing precancerous polyps. When Should You Start Screening? Gone are the days when a colonoscopy was your only option! While it's still the gold standard BEST OPTION (1 am biased.), there are other ways to screen: Colonoscopy: The most thorough option. It requires some prep (yes, the dreaded bowel cleanse), but it only happens every 10 years if results are normal.The prep has improved-you won't need to drink a gallon of the dreadful stuff) Stool Tests: These at-home tests check for hidden blood or DNA markers that could signal cancer. They're easy and non-invasive but need to be done more frequently. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): Less invasive than a full colonoscopy but still effective in spotting abnormalities. Cologuard: Have you seen the commercial? This option is often joked as the "poop in the box test". Cologuard often misses 30% of cancers. For me...colonoscopy all day! I want the GOLD. I don't want any misses or near misses. What If You're Nervous? Totally normal! But remember, the temporary discomfort is nothing compared to the peace of mind (and potentially life-saving benefits) that come with getting screened. Plus, sedation during a colonoscopy means you won't feel a thing! And it's the BEST NAP ever! The Takeaway Colon cancer screening isn't something to fear-it's something to empower you. It's quick, it's effective, and it could save your life. So, if you're due (or overdue), go ahead and schedule that screening. Your future self will thank you! Need help getting scheduled? At NOLA Care, we're here to guide you through the process and answer any questions. Don't worry if you don't have insurance, I can help with that as well. Give us a call-we'll make it as easy as possible!

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS: WHEN YOUR VAGINA THROWS A HOUSE PARTY WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION Ladies, let’s talk about a very unwelcome guest: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). You know how sometimes your group chat gets chaotic, and the wrong mix of people at brunch ruins the vibe? Well, BV is kind of like that—but for your vagina. When the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria gets out of whack, your body lets you know in a way that's... let’s just say, less than subtle. BV Basics: What’s Going On Down There? Your vagina is a self-cleaning queen, but even queens have off days. Normally, it maintains a perfect pH balance, keeping things fresh and healthy. But when something throws that balance off—boom!—BV swoops in like an uninvited guest with funky odors and annoying discharge. Symptoms of BV include: A thin, grayish or white discharge (not to be confused with yeast infection clumps—BV is more of a watery troublemaker) A strong fishy odor, especially after sex (because BV loves drama) Itching or irritation (not always, but sometimes) Burning sensation during urination (rude, right?) Why Did This Happen to Me?! First of all, if you have BV, you’re not alone! It’s the most common vaginal infection in women aged 15-44. And no, it’s not an STD. BV just likes to show up when the vaginal ecosystem gets disrupted. Common triggers include: Douching (your vagina does NOT need a bath bomb, trust us) New or multiple sexual partners Using scented soaps, wipes, or sprays (your lady parts prefer to be fragrance-free) Hormonal changes or stress BV isn’t always harmful, but it can lead to complications if left untreated (especially in pregnancy). If you suspect you have BV, don’t panic—NOLA Care has got you covered. Get Tested: A quick visit to your provider can confirm BV and rule out other infections. Medication: BV is usually treated with antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin (sorry, no DIY cranberry juice cures here). Probiotics & Prevention: Keep your vaginal flora happy with probiotics and by avoiding harsh products. Your vagina loves a drama-free environment! NOLA Care: Your Partner in Vaginal Health At NOLA Care, we’re all about making these conversations easy, judgment-free, and maybe even a little fun (because who said vaginal health has to be boring?). If you’re dealing with BV or just want to make sure everything’s in check, book an appointment with us. Let’s keep your body balanced and thriving—no uninvited bacteria allowed!

Let's be real-no one likes unexpected health surprises. That's why preventative healthcare is your best friend! Instead of waiting until something feels off, regular check-ups and healthy habits can keep you feeling great for years to come. At NOLA Care, we believe prevention is the best medicine (and way less stressful!).