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If you, your parents, or your parents' siblings had a heart attack before age 55 and you have a child, this advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) might surprise you: Have your child's cholesterol tested.

Under certain circumstances, the AAP says, cholesterol-lowering diets, under a pediatrician's supervision, are safe for children.

Which children need testing?

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), metabolic syndrome significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke.

Whether you are getting together with friends and family for the holiday at the park, lake, or in the backyard, chances are grilling out is on agenda.  Before you head out to the grocery store and stock up, remember there are important considerations when preparing food on the grill.  Follow these steps to help avoid foodborne illness from becoming the center of attention at the party.

Celebrating our nation’s independence with family and friends typically centers around food, fun, and especially fireworks!  But that fun can be quickly doused when something goes wrong.  In 2010, 8600 injuries were the result of fireworks, with 2 out of every 5 of those injured under the age of 15.  Also, more fires are reported on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.  Taking the right precautions will ensure you enjoy your holiday instead dealing with serious injuries or even death.

Today the Supreme Court upheld most elements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), particularly the individual insurance mandate at the heart of the law.

The Supreme Court also ruled that the federal government cannot withhold current Medicaid funds if a state chooses not to participate in the Medicaid expansion. Lovelace Health System is a major provider for Medicaid patients. We will wait for the Governor’s decision on how to proceed and work with the state on continuing to offer high-quality health care to the Medicaid population.

We are getting into a pretty predictable weather pattern of highs near 100 in New Mexico.  If you are running out of ideas to stay cool, here are some fun ways to beat the heat.

Go Barefoot

It seems it doesn’t take long for the heat to take its toll.  Once the thermometer tops 100 most of us experience a change in our general attitude, including a heightened agitation.  The inconvenience of the dog days of summer are setting in and you begin to hear people complain about it, if you aren’t already yourself.  However, regardless of your age and overall health, extreme heat is something everyone should heed with caution.

Women's diets often fall short in vital minerals and vitamins for a variety of reasons.

Here are six nutrients that women are often deficient in, either because they lose too much of a nutrient, don't get enough of a nutrient, or both.

That is a bold question, but one being addressed by researchers today.  According to recent trials, the answer could be yes.  With heart disease being the number one killer in our country, responsible for 25% of US  deaths every year, wiping out heart attacks is a substantial consideration to the health of our nation.

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in our country.  It is a complex disorder that often times requires multiple medical approaches and lifestyle modifications to properly manage.  At Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, our endocrinologists remain abreast of the latest advancements in diabetes management to give our patients the best course of action and outcomes that favorably affect their health and quality of life.

Did you know?