Blog

Lovelace leader shares career pivot that led to nursing career

At the heart of nursing is a genuine desire to help people. That desire originally led Lovelace Medical Center Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, Bobby Bluford, RN, into ministry work. “I wanted to reach out to people and help them,” he adds. “I wanted to make a difference and have an impact on people’s lives.” More than twenty years ago, Bobby entered the health care industry, first in finance and then in operations where he ultimately led as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for a hospital in Houston, Texas.

Flu season: Who is at risk

On October 25, 2017, the New Mexico Department of Health officially announced the start of influenza (flu) season in our state. Enhanced flu precautions begin when there are high numbers influenza cases in our community, or when illness from the flu is severe. These precautions are to support the health and wellness of our patients, their families and our communities.

Understanding genetic risk

All nuts are seeds, but not all seeds are nuts. That’s how it feels when trying to explain the differences between genetic, inherited and genetically predisposed. It gets really confusing, really quickly. Let’s reference this basic chart to help our understanding.

It’s all relative: Why is learning your family’s health history important?

Your family health history is a record of health conditions and treatments that you, your partner and each of your families have experienced. This information can help you find out if there are common medical issues in your families that may affect you or your children. Knowing your health histories before your baby is born can help your health care provider decide on care and treatments you may need during pregnancy that can improve the health of your baby. For some families, genetic counseling may be a part of their care during pregnancy.

In Honor of our Veterans

Thank you Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, we would like to recognize Lovelace employees who have served our country in the armed forces.

Lovelace Medical Center

Shalena Bailey, U.S. Navy

Amber Brackett, U.S. Air Force

Tracey L. Cashman, U.S. Air Force

Greg Clark, U.S. Marines

John Cunningham, U.S. Marines

Darren Cde Baca, U.S. Navy

Doug DeButy, U.S. Air Force

Mary Frances Delira, U.S. Army Reserve

Christine Dunn, U.S. Army

Raphael Fields, U.S. Army

Lovelace Leadership Series with Lovelace Medical Center's Jarren Garrett

In the words of a man who embraced change, engaged the people around him and elicited self-discipline to emerge as one of America’s most influential historical figures and a founding father, “Well done is better than well said.” What Benjamin Franklin intended of that statement Lovelace Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Jarren Garrett seeks to achieve in the mission of caring for others every day.

Over-sanitizing during cold and flu season

Are we getting too stressed over germs? Will it actually help our children if we expose them to germs? What is the hygiene hypothesis? Earlier, we shared material on how to keep children safe from cold and flu germs, but there is another train of thought on the topic. Some experts and parents say that early exposure can contribute a stronger immune system. Which path should parents take? The answer is both.

Keeping germs at bay

Fall and winter bring sweaters, school, Canadian geese, holidays and…cold and flu season. Achoo! The Flu! Sanitizing and keeping kids away from germs can feel like a never ending battle. We have a few recommendations to keep kids healthy this cold and flu season. Remember that it is unavoidable that children come in contact with germs, but adding healthy hygiene habits can cut down on sick days for them and for you.

Health effects of compassion fatigue

Whether a disaster is manmade or caused by nature, we are impacted by these events occurring around the world. Between social media, network news reports and calls from loved ones, the human toll of these proceedings is on our minds for days and weeks on end.

Starting Your Brown Bag Lifestyle

If thinking about packing a lunch feels overwhelming, think about the control you can have over your health and budget if you take a few minutes of time to prepare meals for you and your family. You will save time in lines, have more control over portions and nutrition, and save money. Yes, packing your lunch does take a little more effort than a drive through meal or standing in line in the cafeteria, but you and your family are worth this effort and there are huge health benefits in the long run.