Monthly archive

Traveling High for World’s Largest Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has once again taken flight, drawing in more than 500,000 visitors, representing 18 countries in the sky. More than 550 balloons inflate in the dark early hours of mornings of the nine-day fiesta to reveal the Sandia Mountain horizon glittered with vibrant colors and shapes. Albuquerque’s altitude ranges from just under 5,000 feet above sea level at its lowest point to nearly 7,000 feet in the Sandia foothills.

Do you know your risk of developing breast cancer?

If you are under the age of 40, should breast cancer be on your radar? Are you high risk or moderate risk or little risk? With 7 percent of all breast cancer cases diagnosed before the recommended first mammogram at the age of 40, knowing your risk can lead to early detection and treatment.

Lovelace Women's Hospital Girls' Night Out

Lovelace Women’s Hospital is presenting the Sixth Annual Girls’ Night Out from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, October 4 at Hotel Albuquerque, 800 Rio Grande NW. The free event will feature spa and wellness vendors and samples, a Dillard’s fashion show and a demonstration of the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. More than 350 women attended last year’s event.  The fashion show begins at 7 p.m. For information, call 898-3030.

What’s Wrong with the “I’ve Already Blown It” Mentality when Dieting

Lovelace Bariatrics Director Dr. Duc Vuong joins us on the blog today to talk about how one powerful message can easily derail your diet when it shouldn’t.

Two Things to Cut Women’s Risk of Cancer

What if you could dramatically reduce your risk of developing cancer by adhering to two principles? The American Institute of Cancer Research estimates nearly 30,000 women in the United States could be spared of endometrial cancer – affecting as many as 50,000 women a year – if they exercise for 30 minutes a day and maintain a healthy body weight, according to a recent review.

Saving 200,000 Lives – Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke Deaths

Heart disease and stroke deaths don’t have to happen. That is the finding of a report from the CDC stating that more than 200,000 deaths in 2010 were preventable. While progress has been made since 2001, with the number of preventable heart disease and stroke deaths decreasing by 30 percent, health care providers know there still is work that needs to be done. More than half of the 200,000 lives were under the age of 65.

A Special Place in Her Heart for Lovelace Women's Hospital NICU - Make that Two

Once a year, Lovelace Women’s Hospital welcomes families and former patients for a reunion unlike any other. As they unload out of cars with strollers, diaper bags, blankets, and bottles, those who were once our smallest of patients come back for an opportunity to see the doctors, nurses and staff of the NICU – their first home. It is an event Robynn Salazar didn’t think would be on her calendar year after year following the arrival of her first daughter, Zoey, a healthy full-term baby girl, but she makes the 230 mile trip every year with her family.

New Mexico’s Own Hatch Chile – A Healthy Hot Bite

Known across the country for its chile peppers, Hatch Valley, N.M., is a spot on the map known well to foodies searching for the “it” ingredient of signature chile rellenos, chile verde and enchilada dishes. Even if you don’t consider yourself a foodie, you are if you live in New Mexico, where the state question is “Red or Green?” The state fruit takes a variety of forms in New Mexican cuisine, red or green, served roasted, as a sauce or dried and crushed into a powder.

When Accidents Happen - Kid Kare ER at Lovelace Westside Hospital

Bumps and bruises happen when you are a kid, but did you know an estimated 23 million children under the age of 15 head into the ER for medical treatment? Of those admitted, 7 million children are seen for accidental injuries and Safe Kids Worldwide announced this week 1.35 million children end up in the ER with sports-related injuries. Sometimes it isn’t easy being a kid.

Greeting at the Door – Why Lovelace Leadership are Spending Less Time in the Office

There’s nothing quite like arriving at a bustling hotel, bags in hand, your energy worn by travel and immediately hearing the words, “Hello, we’ve been expecting you.” All of a sudden, this new place feels more familiar – the people more welcoming. A deep breath later and a sense of comfort and calm replace any stress or anxiety you may have felt moments before. Could the same be true if you were to step into a hospital instead of hotel? Derrick Jones believes so and he’s investing his own time to find out.

Injuries on the Rise from TVs Falling on Children

Do you have a flat screen TV? Is mounted on the wall or sitting on top of a dresser? Your child’s safety could depend on it. New research finds that every three weeks, another child dies from a TV tipping over onto them. The rate of injury is on the rise. Over the last 22 years, the rate of children getting injured from a falling TV is up 95 percent.

Putting Off Retirement, Recognizing Signs Earlier - News from Alzheimer’s Conference

Researchers from all over the world came together this week to share their latest findings at what is known as the world’s leading forum on dementia research at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). Two big stories came from that conference. One, delaying retirement could cut the risk for developing dementia.

Statins Safe, According to New, Large Study

Statins are a class of drugs often prescribed to patients to lower LDL levels, also known as the bad cholesterol. They work by inhibiting an enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which controls the production of cholesterol in the liver. The medication works by slowing down the production of cholesterol and therefore increasing the number of LDL receptors. These receptors bind to LDL in the liver, thus reducing LDL levels in the blood stream.

5 Questions with Dawn Tschabrun, New CEO at Lovelace Regional Hospital - Roswell

Dawn Tschabrun was recently named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Lovelace Regional Hospital-Roswell. Previously the Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Operations Officer at Lovelace Regional Hospital-Roswell since 2012 and the Chief Nursing Officer at the facility since 2009, Dawn brings 25 years of nursing experience with 12 years of progressive managerial experience to this position. We asked Dawn five questions as she begins her new role.

Music Lifts Spritis at Lovelace Medical Center

Charlie Miller has worked at Lovelace Medical Center for more than 40 years. In Patient Transport, he helps take patients where they need to go in the hospital. Charlie has special way of making patients feel calm and right at home at Lovelace, which has earned him the nickname "Elvis." Take a look.

World Blood Donor Day, But Need Continues Through Summer

Summer break is a time to try new things, travel and visit friends and family. For many of New Mexico’s blood donors, it is a time move back home, take an internship out of state or simply take a break from the normal routine. That is because many of the state’s blood donors are students. From universities to high schools, regular school blood drives dry up in the summer, while the demand continues.

4 Ways to Protect Your Heart

A new large study finds there are four basic lifestyle modifications you can make to protect your heart. The study, called "Low-Risk Lifestyle, Coronary Calcium, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality: Results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis,” points to regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, following a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking as ways to greatly impact your heart health and improve longevity.

Memorial Weekend Safe Grilling

The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer break, pool time and the grilling season. As we usher in the longer, warmer days, we welcome time outside grilling up some of the season’s best dishes. However, it is also an important time to remember the dangers inherent with grilling and safety precautions we should take to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe summer.

Start Swim Lessons with Success

Learning to swim can be a fun yet terrifying venture for new swimmers. Some children are completely comfortable in water from the first time their toes hit the water, while others are equally as anxious. Beginning swim lessons first requires a comfort with the water, but getting to that point can be a challenging barrier for many children and parents.