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To offer expectant mothers who choose to deliver their babies at Lovelace Regional Hospital more control over their comfort, nitrous oxide is an option for pain relief.  Known as “laughing gas,” it is inhaled through a mask and can provide quick pain relief. The effects can wear off quickly and do not impede labor progression – a good alternative for parents seeking a less invasive form of pain relief.

There are eight ways you can improve your heart health and decrease your risk of heart-related illnesses and complications, no matter your age or lifestyle. Charles Kim, M.D., FACC, cardiologist at Lovelace Medical Group/New Mexico Heart Institute, shares these tips.

1. Stop or decrease smoking

Risk factors from smoking include heart disease, chest pains, heart attack, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, damaged heart tissue and heart failure. Your risk for cardiovascular disease and disorders decreases substantially when you stop smoking.

It is estimated that nearly 46% of Americans have high blood pressure, making them more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Knowing how to take your blood pressure accurately and how to evaluate the reading can be lifesaving.

Kassi and Matt Foote, first-time parents in Albuquerque, New Mexico, were counting the days until their new baby was born.

Between the baby showers and shopping for new baby supplies, Foote maintained a regular schedule of visits to her obstetrician, who monitored her vital signs and those of her baby. During one of her visits, Foote was diagnosed with gestational hypertension – a type of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy.

The primary care physicians at Lovelace Medical Group provide high quality family medicine services for patients in New Mexico. We specialize in diagnosing and treating various health conditions. Our family medicine services include preventive health check-ups, care for chronic conditions, and guidance on nutrition, exercise, and your overall health. We also provide immunizations and vaccinations, as well as access to more specialized forms of care when needed. Choose Lovelace Medical Group for exceptional primary care that puts your wellness first.

A new vaccine that fights three strains of influenza is now available from health care providers across the U.S.

The most effective way to fight the flu is to get vaccinated, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the virus can spread among the population during the entire year, the flu season is generally in the fall and winter. The peak months for the flu are December through February.

While the CDC recommends you get an annual flu vaccine by the end of October, any time you get it before the peak months will help.

The 4th of July is a time for celebration but it’s also the busiest day of the year for fire and EMS departments across the country, including here in New Mexico. With fireworks, barbecues and outdoor activities, the risk of accidents and injuries increases significantly. By being aware of potential hazards and taking preventive measures, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Infant skin is different than adult skin – it is thinner, lighter and more sensitive. A sunburn on a baby can become a medical emergency from blisters, fever and dehydration. The best way to prevent this is to protect your baby from becoming sunburned.

Ways to protect your baby from the sun include:

Jim Cox, 66, started scuba diving and underwater photography about fifty years ago while in high school. He admits, however, that those first photos were appreciated only by him and his parents.

“I’ve always had a love for our oceans,” said Cox, who eventually earned a degree in ocean engineering. His graduate work centered more on engineering mechanics, which helps his current role as a mechanical engineer.