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We’ve all been there. The kids are jumping on the trampoline and want you to join them. Or maybe when you feel a sneeze or cough coming, so you say a silent prayer that you won’t pee your pants. Urinary incontinence is common for women after childbirth and I always thought it was just the price we had to pay for having children. Women who are candid enough to talk about it often get knowing looks and laughter from other women who have experienced urinary incontinence, otherwise known as stress incontinence- the stressor being the cough, sneeze or jump.

Are you experiencing ear pain, balance problems or chronic allergies? You may need to receive treatment of ears, nose and throat conditions by seeing an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose & throat (ENT) doctor.

Dr. Gregg Schmedes is an ENT in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is affiliated with the National Sinus Institute, a partnered provider of Lovelace Health System.

Keep reading as Dr. Schmedes speaks on the two main reasons for adult ENT visits, allergies and surgeries.

Are you ready to try for a baby or just recently found out you are pregnant? One important thing a woman can do in preparation for her baby is to take folate (also known as folic acid). Folic acid is a B-vitamin and is essential for proper cell growth.

Melissa Moore, CNM, MS, RN is a certified nurse midwife and explains the role of folic acid in preparation for pregnancy.

“Folic acid is most important before conception to prevent neural tube defects,” explained Moore.

Celebrations, festive decorations and spending time with loved ones are hallmarks of the holiday season. The holidays also present serious risks that can quickly put a damper on your plans. Lovelace Health System encourages New Mexicans to celebrate the season safely.

Director of Nursing and the Emergency Department at Lovelace Medical Center, Glenn Swanson, advises patients and their families to take precaution when getting into the holiday spirit to avoid an unexpected trip to the emergency room.

Christmastime is a joyous time of year that brings families and friends together. Sadly, it’s also a lucrative time for burglars. Although summer is the peak season for break-ins, the spike in home burglaries during the holidays can leave families devastated and feeling not so merry.

Protect your residence by following these home security tips:

- Purchase an automatic timer for your indoor and outdoor lights. Keeping your home well-lit while you are away can help to effectively deter anyone from breaking into your home.

The holiday season is upon us and so is flu season! Although the duration of flu season can vary, influenza activity can begin as early as October and last as long as May. As we find ourselves in the midst of flu season, keep these precautions in mind to ensure the health and safety of you and your family.

Prevent the spread of germs

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:

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.

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.

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: