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“Knowing you are not alone is the most important,” shares Darrell Yazza. “There are other people who have been through it and they’re doing well.” Once a month, Darrell brings the perspective only a stroke survivor would understand to stroke patients at Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital.

Spring brings new life around each corner and we enjoy seeing growing bellies as moms visit our birthing centers. This spring, we are happy to take time to salute all mothers and mother figures for the widely celebrated Mother’s Day holiday. At Labor of Love, we recognize the extensive array of emotions this day can bring. Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 40 countries worldwide. Although the season or time of year may vary for this celebration, love for mother is often shown with flowers, cards, hugs, kisses or a special meal made by someone other than mom.

“I told my husband, ‘I just don’t feel right,’” Tonnie Lucero, 62 recalls. “I was tired, sleepy, had gained weight and felt bloated. I didn’t know why.” Tonnie picked up the phone and scheduled an appointment with her primary care physician for a complete physical. Blood work revealed she was anemic, which would explain why she was fatigued. To better understand what was causing Tonnie to be anemic, her doctor realized Tonnie had a family history of colon cancer, yet had not had any colon cancer screening, which should have started by well before the age of 62.

March is National Nutrition Month and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages us all to consider how we nourish ourselves and our families through food choices, not only this month, but as a lifelong endeavor for better nutrition and health. It is an opportunity to embrace food as nutrition and fuel for our everyday lives. Lovelace dietitian and nutritionist, Teresa Anderson, RDN, LD CDE, explains the focus of this year’s campaign. “Food is an important part of our traditions and social experiences,” she says.