Blogs

More than 200 people, including Mayor Richard Berry, community leaders, Lovelace governing board members and physicians, attended the 44^th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lovelace Medical Center. Hospital officials flipped the switch illuminating the tree. Sister Nancy Kazik from St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation Board gave the invocation. Guests brought canned food to benefit the Rio Grande Food Project and toys to benefit PB&J Family Services.

Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated its 25^th anniversary with a ribbon cutting event with the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce that was attended by community members, board members, staff and physicians.

This year, health care providers and organizations like March of Dimes, working to reduce the number of babies born to early, have reason to briefly celebrate. For the seventh year in a row, preterm birth rates had dropped. Even better news? At 11.4 percent in the United States, the preterm birth rate is the lowest in 17 years and meets the goal set forth by federal government seven years ahead of target. However, everyone agrees there are far too many babies born before 37 weeks.

Did you know that by having diabetes you are three times more likely to be hospitalized from the flu than those who do not have diabetes? Anyone living with diabetes should be especially careful during flu season. There are steps you can take to help protect a healthy immune system, while managing your diabetes. If you get the flu, your health care provider will discuss the best treatment to help you recover from the flu, while also helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Preventing the Flu

Lovelace Health System held its 6th Annual “Don’t Bug Me” Flu event on Wed, Nov. 5 at Adobe Acres Elementary School.

More than 40 third graders learned proper hand washing techniques and received information on flu prevention from health professionals, including an APS school nurse. There was also a demonstration on how germs spread with Glo Germ and a black light.

Lovelace Health System is proud to be the Official Healthcare Provider for the 2014 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Below is a list of helpful safety tips to help you enjoy your visit in good health:

1. Dress in layers. It is sometimes very cool in the morning, but after sunrise temperatures warm up noticeably. 

2. Bring sunscreen. At a higher altitude you are at an increased risk for sunburn.

3. Bring appropriate eye protection. Sun and wind could be your enemies on a sunny or windy day.

The New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards recognize excellence in nursing practice and honor nurses for the contributions they make to their organizations, communities and the state. Congratulations to each of the following Lovelace Health System nurses who were nominated for a New Mexico Nursing Excellence Award. All the nominees will be honored at an award dinner in October at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya.

Lovelace Medical Center
Curtiss Vavra, Case/Quality/Managed Care

Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital
Kerry Flint, Long Term Care/Rehab

The Diabetes and Metabolism Care Clinic at Lovelace Medical Group/Southwest Medical Associates has received accreditation from the American Association of Diabetes Education (AADE). 

AADE accredited programs must provide evidence that they meet or exceed the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.  AADE’s Accreditation Program requires the delivery of education content and also encourages behavior change, with the aim of improving the health status of people with diabetes. 

Typically the flu season spikes in the winter months of January and February. Yet, that does not mean it is a good idea to put off getting your flu shot until then. An estimated 180 million doses of the flu vaccine have been produced this year, protecting against three of the four strains of the flu the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts will be the most prevalent. That may sound like a lot flu shots and nasal sprays, but supplies may run low towards the end of the flu season.