Monthly archive

Sunblock: Why We Need it and What to Look For.

Going to the pool or doing yard work this summer? Maybe you’re just planning on a road trip with the top down, or you’re taking your dog for an afternoon stroll. Whatever it is you’re doing, don’t start without your sunscreen. Nobody likes a nasty sunburn, but there are more reasons to use sunblock than just to prevent sunburn.

Four Heart-Healthy Reasons for Having a Dog.

Dog owners all know why we love dogs. We love when they wag their tails when we come home, or when they roll on their back and politely wait for their belly to be rubbed. Dogs can really make a house a home. But what we might not know is that dogs can also be good for our well-being, especially our heart. 

30 Minutes of Daily Walking Can Change Your Life!

We all know that we should be exercising more, but do we know why and how to get motivated? A good place to start is by realizing that effective exercise does not have to be an intense regimen like Rocky Balboa training to fight Apollo Creed! Exercise can be very effective even if it’s just 30 minutes of casual walking.

Want To Feel Healthier? Drink More Water & Less Soda

Sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks and energy drinks may be  keeping us from drinking enough water.

Sugary drinks are the fourth highest source of caloric intake in adults in the US, according to Teresa Anderson, a registered dietician & nutritionist,  and certified diabetes educator for Lovelace Medical Group.

Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital Partners with Ability Connection New Mexico

Last Saturday, Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital joined 100 walkers at El Oso Grande Park at Ability Connection New Mexico’s (ACNM) fourth annual Ability Walk. The Ability Walk is an hour long walk that celebrates the achievements of children and adults with disabilities. A supporter of ACNM’s fundraising initiatives, Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital is now working with ACNM to bring the Enabling Communication program to their patients.

Diabetes and nutrition - not a one-size-fits-all approach

March is National Nutrition Month and Lovelace Medical Group dietitian Teresa Anderson, RDN, LDN, CDE explains why this is an important time to take stock of your dietary needs, especially when living with diabetes. “Nutrition plays a vital role in helping or hurting your diabetes management,” explains Anderson. “Firstit is vital we consume ‘high-value’ foods – foods that are loaded with nutrients.

Lovelace Westside Hospital Listed on Becker’s Hospital Review’s 150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare

Lovelace Westside Hospital is honored to receive recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review as one of their 150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare for 2015. The list, which was published March 16, 2015, recognizes healthcare providers and other healthcare-specific organizations selected based on workforce-centric awards received, benefits offerings, wellness initiatives, and efforts to improve professional development, diversity and inclusion, work-life balance and a sense of community and unity among employees.

Lovelace Medical Center Stroke Team Recognized for Stroke Care

A stroke can strike with little to no warning and when it does, time is brain. When you suffer an ischemic stroke, oxygen-rich blood can be blocked from reaching parts of the brain. If the blood flow is not restored, affected areas of the brain are damaged, resulting in a loss of function of other parts of the body controlled by the damaged part of the brain. This loss of function can either be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

Could your life be one of the 21,000 saved by colon cancer screening?

A new study published in the journal Cancer March 12, 2015 finds that if 80 percent of Americans between the ages of 50 and 75 had the recommended colon cancer screening, 21,000 deaths from colon cancer could be prevented.

Weight Loss Journey with Lovelace Nutrition Services Director

Michael Nuttall is the Nutrition Services Director at Lovelace Women’s Hospital and an experienced chef. He shares his motivation to become healthier by losing weight and increasing his physical activity today on our blog.

44th Annual Lovelace Medical Center Holiday Tree Lighting

More than 200 people, including Mayor Richard Berry, community leaders, Lovelace governing board members and physicians, attended the 44th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lovelace Medical Center. Hospital officials flipped the switch illuminating the tree. Sister Nancy Kazik from St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation Board gave the invocation. Guests brought canned food to benefit the Rio Grande Food Project and toys to benefit PB&J Family Services.

Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital Celebrates 25 Years

Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated its 25th anniversary with a ribbon cutting event with the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce that was attended by community members, board members, staff and physicians.

World Prematurity Day Highlighting Efforts To Reduce Premature Birth Rate

This year, health care providers and organizations like March of Dimes, working to reduce the number of babies born to early, have reason to briefly celebrate. For the seventh year in a row, preterm birth rates had dropped. Even better news? At 11.4 percent in the United States, the preterm birth rate is the lowest in 17 years and meets the goal set forth by federal government seven years ahead of target. However, everyone agrees there are far too many babies born before 37 weeks.

Diabetes and the Flu

Did you know that by having diabetes you are three times more likely to be hospitalized from the flu than those who do not have diabetes? Anyone living with diabetes should be especially careful during flu season. There are steps you can take to help protect a healthy immune system, while managing your diabetes. If you get the flu, your health care provider will discuss the best treatment to help you recover from the flu, while also helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Preventing the Flu

Lovelace Health System Launches the 6th Annual Flu Prevention Campaign

Lovelace Health System held its 6th Annual “Don’t Bug Me” Flu event on Wed, Nov. 5 at Adobe Acres Elementary School.

More than 40 third graders learned proper hand washing techniques and received information on flu prevention from health professionals, including an APS school nurse. There was also a demonstration on how germs spread with Glo Germ and a black light.

Balloon Fiesta Spectator Safety Tips

Lovelace Health System is proud to be the Official Healthcare Provider for the 2014 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Below is a list of helpful safety tips to help you enjoy your visit in good health:

1. Dress in layers. It is sometimes very cool in the morning, but after sunrise temperatures warm up noticeably. 

2. Bring sunscreen. At a higher altitude you are at an increased risk for sunburn.

3. Bring appropriate eye protection. Sun and wind could be your enemies on a sunny or windy day.

New Mexico Nursing Excellence Award

The New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards recognize excellence in nursing practice and honor nurses for the contributions they make to their organizations, communities and the state. Congratulations to each of the following Lovelace Health System nurses who were nominated for a New Mexico Nursing Excellence Award. All the nominees will be honored at an award dinner in October at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya.

Lovelace Medical Center
Curtiss Vavra, Case/Quality/Managed Care

Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital
Kerry Flint, Long Term Care/Rehab

Diabetes and Metabolism Care Clinic Nationally Accredited

The Diabetes and Metabolism Care Clinic at Lovelace Medical Group/Southwest Medical Associates has received accreditation from the American Association of Diabetes Education (AADE). 

AADE accredited programs must provide evidence that they meet or exceed the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.  AADE’s Accreditation Program requires the delivery of education content and also encourages behavior change, with the aim of improving the health status of people with diabetes.