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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Did you know you and your baby can help grade school students build relationships and emotional skills? Roots of Empathy is an evidence based program created to help children identify with another person’s feelings by identifying emotions they see in a baby. The long term focus of the program is to build the emotional capacity of the next generation. In the short term, it results in more respectful and caring relationships, as well as, reduces the levels of bullying and aggression.

New Mexico is a breastfeeding-friendly state and there are resources across the state to ensure moms get the help they need when they need it. Starting in 1978, New Mexico passed legislation to help protect breastfeeding mothers in the state. These laws are to promote breastfeeding on-demand wherever mom and baby are. In that same year a law was passed for working moms too, that helps them to pump milk for their babies while they are away.

Two new general surgeons have joined Lovelace Medical Group: Dr. Timothy W. Perez, M.D., M.P.H. and Dr. David Hoang, M.D. Both are gifted surgeons who have worked together previously, giving them the experience to develop a partnership and depth of communication that will bring even more quality to their surgery practice for patients in New Mexico. They both also share the common mission of providing excellent care to their patients.

Returning to work can cause you to have mixed feelings. This parenting milestone occurs when you are under sleep deprivation, learning new household dynamics and struggling with real concerns about baby care and work re-entry. Millions of women have made the same journey, and you can do this too. Be realistic, don’t try to do it all. Be kind and patient with yourself as you adjust to your new life and learning new skills.

Deciding what and how to feed your baby is one of the first decisions that parents will encounter over their child’s lifetime. It is important that parents receive accurate and up to date information about infant nutrition to make a fully informed decision about breastfeeding.