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Nurse shares decision to have weight loss surgery

Vikky Donaldson, RN, has worked in health care with Johns Hopkins University at the Center for American Indian Health for 14 years. More than just caring for patients, through her work in pediatric vaccine research, she has been able to affect the health of people around the world. “It is a very rewarding and exciting job,” she says. Yet, when it came to her own health, Vikky admits she has struggled with her weight her entire life. “I’m a very good dieter.

Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day in health care

Tuesday, October 13 was Ada Lovelace Day, an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Lovelace is considered to be the first computer programmer, as she worked with a friend, Charles Babbage, on his “Analytical Engine” in 1842, and essentially wrote “programs” for the machine. Few people know that what is now considered to be a male-dominated field was technically pioneered by a woman.

5 tips to reduce your chances of developing breast cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Although we may not be able to completely prevent breast cancer, the risk can at least be reduced. Here’s how: 
 
Physical activity - Healthy, physical activity is great for a lot reasons – heart, lungs, metabolism – and yes, even in reducing breast cancer risk.

How do you stay motivated in your weight loss journey?

“This is a big issue and all of us have been there,” says Lovelace Bariatrics Director Dr. Duc Vuong. “Before we know it, we’re off track.” The journey to a healthier life is not always an easy one. Yes, you’ve made the decision to make healthier decisions and yes, you were successful the first day, maybe the first week or even first month. But old habits die hard, right? It’s why we keep going back to old ways and therefore get the old results we’ve dealt with time and time again. To help get us back on track, Dr.

Dr. Vuong’s Tips on Mindful Eating

We live in a fast-paced world. Convenience is king and when it comes to eating, fast tends to win over more times than healthy. Whether than means grabbing a snack at your desk, in the car or while watching your favorite show on television, you may not be fully aware of what or how much you are eating. However, Lovelace Bariatrics Director Dr. Duc Vuong says doing that over and over again forms a bad habit that can affect our waistlines and overall health.

5 Reasons We Need Diabetes Education

Diabetes is something nobody wants to have. However, there is good treatment for diabetes if you actively manage it. The best way to fight diabetes or pre-diabetes is to be educated on the subject. Our resident dietician Teresa Anderson, CDE teaches regular classes on diabetes self-management.

What is a STEMI?

Maria Atencio the CP/STEMI Manager of Heart Hospital of New Mexico @ Lovelace Medical Center answers an important question we should all know about STEMI. If you or a loved one are in experiencing heart trouble, know what to look for and what to do.

Questions about asthma with Dr. Glenn Vogelsang MD

Summer has officially transitioned into fall. Unfortunately the changing season makes breathing a little difficult for those of us with asthma. The first step to deal with symptoms of asthma is to know things about it. We spoke with family medicine practitioner Dr. Glenn Vogelsang M.D. from our regional clinic in Roswell on the subject of asthma and what an asthmatic should do to take care of him or herself. 
 
What is Asthma?
 
Asthma is an inflammatory and autoimmune condition.

Set Free with Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

In 2014, it was time for Katie McClain. She had spent years hiding behind others in photos, putting off trips and coming up with reasons to avoid certain restaurant tables. There was one thing in between Katie and her life that was holding her back. “After losing almost 150 pounds, I am able to finally be myself,” she says of making the decision to have bariatric weight loss surgery. “I no longer feel confined or defined by my weight. I no longer worry about fitting in restaurant booths or rollercoaster seats.

MRI Sedation now offered at Lovelace Regional Hospital - Roswell

If you need an MRI but struggle with claustrophobia or any sort of involuntary movement, you might consider having a sedation MRI. In this video, Dr. Gary Clark of Lovelace Regional Hospital – Roswell explains why. While an open MRI may be an option for patients who would be uncomfortable during a traditional, closed MRI, the open MRI offers lower resolution in the resulting images, so a closed MRI is preferable in many cases. According to Dr. Clark, the sedation MRI allows patients to be calmer, and possibly fall asleep, during a closed MRI.