Bronchial Thermoplasty is a procedure for the treatment of severe persistent asthma in patients 18 year or older whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta medications. The procedure uses thermal energy to reduce the excessive airway smooth muscle responsible for airway constriction in asthma patients, thereby providing long-lasting control in…

The amount of TV preschoolers watch seems to contribute to what their waist size and athletic abilities will be when they reach fourth grade, researchers report. The study, from researchers at the University of Montreal and Sainte-Justine Mother and Child University Hospital in Canada, found that every hour of TV children aged 2½ to 4½…

Recently Lovelace Health System introduced a new program to expectant mothers in New Mexico called Labor of Love.  Through this free program, members can enjoy not only no cost perks, such as prenatal yoga classes and mommy message to name a few, but also the peace of mind that someone is continually helping them through…

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. Most people who have metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance. The body makes insulin…

Troy Greer, Chief Executive Officer at Lovelace Westside Hospital, has been named the new CEO at Lovelace Medical Center, effective today. David Nevill has determined that he will not return from medical leave. He has given his support to be a part of a smooth transition of leadership. We thank him for his contributions to…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 When you can, lose the shoes.  When we get hot, our feet tend to sweat, especially when we…