Blogs

This is the 25th anniversary of Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week.” The popular show has become a viewing frenzy for fans who have an up-close look at one of the most feared animals in their natural habitat. From the comfort of living rooms, 20+ million viewers peer into the daily lives of sharks. There are more than 400 types of sharks of all sizes and colors. However, when we think of sharks, typically our next thought is what they eat.

It is that time of year again. Parents, teachers and children are starting a new year with freshly sharpened pencils, clean sheets of paper and expectations that this school year will be a great one. It is also that time of year when hundreds of children fill the halls at the first bell, leaving sun-filled days of summer but not necessarily the germs behind. As we gather for nine months of academic achievement, here is an overall health checklist to get everyone off to a healthy start.

It is a cup of coffee delivered to a family member in the surgery waiting area. It could be a smile from a nurse at the end of their shift. It may even be a completely different view of what a hospital is really like.

Bronchial Thermoplasty is a procedure for the treatment of severe persistent asthma in patients 18 year or older whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta medications. The procedure uses thermal energy to reduce the excessive airway smooth muscle responsible for airway constriction in asthma patients, thereby providing long-lasting control in adults with severe asthma.

For more information, you can visit www.BTforAsthma..com or contact Chest Medicine of New Mexico at 821-5992.

The amount of TV preschoolers watch seems to contribute to what their waist size and athletic abilities will be when they reach fourth grade, researchers report.

The study, from researchers at the University of Montreal and Sainte-Justine Mother and Child University Hospital in Canada, found that every hour of TV children aged 2½ to 4½ years old watched not only added to their waistline but also affected their ability to perform in sports.

Recently Lovelace Health System introduced a new program to expectant mothers in New Mexico called Labor of Love.  Through this free program, members can enjoy not only no cost perks, such as prenatal yoga classes and mommy message to name a few, but also the peace of mind that someone is continually helping them through the process from finding an obstetrician, assistance with health insurance, planning where they will deliver, and making sure their needs are being met.

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), metabolic syndrome significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke.

Troy Greer, Chief Executive Officer at Lovelace Westside Hospital, has been named the new CEO at Lovelace Medical Center, effective today.

David Nevill has determined that he will not return from medical leave. He has given his support to be a part of a smooth transition of leadership. We thank him for his contributions to Lovelace Health System over the last 3 ½ years and we wish him good health and much success in the future.

If you, your parents, or your parents' siblings had a heart attack before age 55 and you have a child, this advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) might surprise you: Have your child's cholesterol tested.

Under certain circumstances, the AAP says, cholesterol-lowering diets, under a pediatrician's supervision, are safe for children.

Which children need testing?

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), metabolic syndrome significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke.