Monthly archive

I have an overactive bladder, now what?

If you find yourself constantly running to the restroom or always feeling like you “have to go” – you are not alone. About 33 million Americans have overactive bladder (OAB), a common condition that is characterized by symptoms, including:

Pastoral Care at Lovelace

The moment a patient steps into a Lovelace Health System hospital or clinic, our staff is committed to giving that individual the best possible care. Lovelace is also committed to caring for the spiritual and emotional needs of patients, families and staff, also known as “pastoral care.”

Lovelace is the only healthcare system in Albuquerque that relies primarily on volunteers to provide spiritual care and we are proud to offer patients comfort and guidance, regardless of spiritual belief.

Loss Doulas Provide Support to Grieving Families

October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Many times when an expecting mom and family lose an infant, they are faced with difficult and emotional choices. Often, the choices are more clinical in nature, such as what procedure they will face and how to go through labor knowing the family will meet their little one in a very bittersweet way.

Don't Wait . . . Vaccinate!

We’ve said it many times and we’ll say it again – get your flu shot. Flu season has already begun and New Mexicans are encouraged to protect themselves and others from influenza by getting their flu shot.

The science of the flu vaccine and how it affects the body is a common concern every fall. Dr. Angela Sanchez, family medicine physician with Lovelace Medical Group, explains how the flu shot works:

Babyproofing Your Home

Are you patiently awaiting the arrival of your little one? You may want to consider babyproofing your home before baby arrives. This allows time for you and other family members to get used to new changes around the house as you create a safe environment in which to bring your child home. Although supervision is the best thing you can do to keep your infant safe, there are multiples things you can do around the house to prevent injuries and save yourself a trip to the emergency room.

Stress and conception, is there a link?

 
It’s not always easy to “just relax and let it happen.”
 
Our minds and bodies can be negatively affected by stress and believe it or not, so can the chances of becoming pregnant. We live in a fast-paced society, driven by technology that always has us on the go. It’s quite easy to become stressed, anxious or tense.
 

Family can help breastfeeding success

 
Do you have a family member ready to deliver or in the early weeks of breastfeeding? It takes careful time and energy to get breastfeeding off to a healthy start and it isn’t all up to mom. True, she makes the milk, but there are ways the family can help support the transition to breastfeeding with ease. 
 

What to consider when you’re trying to conceive

Are you thinking about trying to get pregnant? Congratulations! Preparing you and your partner’s bodies for pregnancy are important factors in pre-pregnancy planning.

When you and your partner decide that you are ready to start a family, one of the first steps you should take is speaking to your doctor before you become pregnant.

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

 
Developing a heat-related illness is one of the biggest summer health hazards. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. The main cause of any heat-related illness is your body’s inability to cool itself down. When the body’s internal temperature is not regulating properly, it is less able to cool itself efficiently. Understanding the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can save your life or that of a loved one.
 

Choosing a Maternal Care Provider

 
It’s decision time! Once the exciting news of your pregnancy sets in, it's time to consider who you want to help care for you and your baby throughout your pregnancy journey. Every woman deserves a safe and satisfying birth experience and taking time early in your pregnancy to learn about the different types of prenatal care providers is a critical factor when deciding on a birthing plan that fits your needs and wants.
 
Types of Prenatal Care Providers
 

IVF from a Dad’s Perspective

 
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an intricate sequence of procedures used to aid in the conception of a child when a couple is experiencing infertility, illness or genetic concerns.
 

Safety Month – First Aid Kit Essentials

 
You’re preparing dinner when all of a sudden, a crying toddler runs over with a scraped knee. Your first thought is, where is the first aid kit? You can be prepared for emergencies, big or small, by keeping a first aid kit handy.
 
Why a first aid kit?

Suns out… Kids out!

 
The sun’s out, so that means the kids are out…out of school that is. There are many different free events happening around Albuquerque and surrounding areas to keep your kids entertained over summer break.
 

Practice Correct Body Mechanics and Posture During Your Pregnancy

 
It is common for women to complain of neck, lower back, and/or pelvic pain during their pregnancy. However, that does not mean that it is normal. There are things you can do now to prevent or decrease these pains. Paying attention to posture and moving the right way will help ease your discomfort and allow you to better enjoy this exciting time.
 
Here are some quick tips to decrease pain and improve function during your pregnancy:

Sleeping position

How Do Strokes Strike?

A stroke can happen to anyone at any age. According to the American Stroke Association, someone in the United Sates has a stroke every 40 seconds.

So how do strokes strike? Strokes occur when there is bleeding in the brain or when there is a blockage resulting in blood and oxygen not flowing to the brain. A stroke limits the oxygen supply to the brain and can lead to serious brain damage.