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In the words of a man who embraced change, engaged the people around him and elicited self-discipline to emerge as one of America’s most influential historical figures and a founding father, “Well done is better than well said.” What Benjamin Franklin intended of that statement Lovelace Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Jarren Garrett seeks to achieve in the mission of caring for others every day.

Fall and winter bring sweaters, school, Canadian geese, holidays and…cold and flu season. Achoo! The Flu! Sanitizing and keeping kids away from germs can feel like a never ending battle. We have a few recommendations to keep kids healthy this cold and flu season. Remember that it is unavoidable that children come in contact with germs, but adding healthy hygiene habits can cut down on sick days for them and for you.

If thinking about packing a lunch feels overwhelming, think about the control you can have over your health and budget if you take a few minutes of time to prepare meals for you and your family. You will save time in lines, have more control over portions and nutrition, and save money.  Yes, packing your lunch does take a little more effort than a drive through meal or standing in line in the cafeteria, but you and your family are worth this effort and there are huge health benefits in the long run.

New Mexico is a breastfeeding-friendly state and there are resources across the state to ensure moms get the help they need when they need it. Starting in 1978, New Mexico passed legislation to help protect breastfeeding mothers in the state. These laws are to promote breastfeeding on-demand wherever mom and baby are. In that same year a law was passed for working moms too, that helps them to pump milk for their babies while they are away.

Returning to work can cause you to have mixed feelings. This parenting milestone occurs when you are under sleep deprivation, learning new household dynamics and struggling with real concerns about baby care and work re-entry. Millions of women have made the same journey, and you can do this too. Be realistic, don’t try to do it all. Be kind and patient with yourself as you adjust to your new life and learning new skills.

Did you know Lovelace Health System has a large midwifery service program? The Lovelace Medical Group Certified Nurse Midwives are a huge asset to obstetrics and gynecological care for our patients. But what exactly does a midwife do? How is a midwife different from an OB/GYN?

Becoming a #Foodie can help you meet your #HealthyWeight goals. We are getting smarter and about our food choices and there are many great resources for health-minded families. However, it can be hard to make healthy meals when we are busy. Spending a couple of hours at the beginning of the week to plan, buy, clean, prepare and portion out meals can not only reduce the temptation to mindlessly snack, but it can also help you save money since you won’t have to buy food on the go.

The key is to consume the right amount of calories from the right kinds of foods to support your activity level. Activity levels determine how many calories a day you can eat without gaining weight. If you are not moving much or expending much energy, you will want to decrease your calories to prevent those pounds from creeping up.

Some tips for healthy food choices include:

·       Focus on adding healthy foods, rather than just taking away unhealthy foods.