1. News

Blog

Treatment Options for Alzheimer's & Dementia

The number of Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of Major Neurocognitive Disorders (i.e., dementias) continues to rise by the day, as the risk of developing dementia also increases with advancing age. There are an estimated 6.9 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease as of 2024, with approximately 46,000 of those individuals living in New Mexico. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and accounts for 60-70% of all dementia diagnoses.

Breastfeeding Highs and Hurdles

Breastfeeding can be a great experience for both mom and baby, but that doesn’t mean it’s not hard work that comes with a set of big difficulties. Every mom is bombarded with articles that explain the benefits of breastfeeding and, while they are largely correct, it can put more pressure on a very personal situation. We want all mothers and families to feel they are supported and that they can come to us with any questions or concerns.

When to Call Your Child's Healthcare Provider

Back to school germs, injuries and illnesses are on the horizon and it may be hard to determine when you should give your pediatrician a call. Susan Myzer, CPNP- PC, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with Lovelace Medical Group, outlines the general guidelines of when to consult your pediatrician.

Fever

If you are concerned or worried about your child’s fever, always call your pediatrician or seek medical attention.

Healthy Back-to-School Tips

It’s that time of year again! Schools will soon be back in session. Lovelace would like to remind parents that encouraging healthy habits is a great way to support your child’s health in preparation for the new school year. Susan Myzer, CPNP- PC is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with Lovelace Medical Group. She has over 27 years of experience, and shares her top back-to-school tips for parents to help prepare children:

Stay or Go? When to Keep Your Child Home from School

It’s a decision every parent faces regularly: whether or not to keep a sick child home from school. It can be a complicated decision, especially if you are not sure what qualifies as “too sick for school.” If your child is not feeling well, your physician is the best person to consult about whether he or she can go to school. In general, parents should keep children home if they have any of the following symptoms or illnesses:

Lifesaving Habits for Child Car Safety

Every year children around the country are put in dangerous situations when they are left inside a vehicle. An average of 38 children die from heat related illnesses after being left inside a vehicle every year. This is usually due to adults forgetting their child, children finding their own way into a car or children being intentionally left in the car.

Hernias happen - and Lovelace can help!

A hernia is a common problem for both men and women, and is much more than a simple muscle pull. A hernia occurs when there is a weakness or hole in the muscle wall, allowing a bulge of tissue to protrude through the muscle.

The symptoms of a hernia may include a dull ache, feeling of weakness, heaviness, pressure or a burning sensation in your abdomen, groin or scrotum.

“You need to see your doctor before your symptoms worsen,” explained Mario Leyba, M.D., a board-certified general surgeon with Lovelace Medical Group.

Lovelace Medical Center Sets Record-Breaking Time for Successful Stroke Treatment

During a stroke, every minute counts. Every minute a stroke is left untreated, up to two million brain cells die.

Earlier this year, Lovelace Medical Center set a record-breaking time of administering tPA, a medication used to treat ischemic strokes, within 12 minutes of the patient arriving at the facility.

The 62-year-old patient was experiencing facial droop, left sided weakness and slurred speech, and was transported to Lovelace Medical Center by Albuquerque EMS.

Tips for Better Sleep When Traveling

Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but adapting to new surroundings can be challenging for those who have ongoing sleep issues. When we are away from home, we usually skip the first REM (rapid eye movement) episode, leading us to have a less deep sleep and causing us to wake up more often than we would at home.

If you have some upcoming travels on your calendar, keep these recommendations in mind:

Stick to your normal routine.

Mother and baby saved by efforts of two Lovelace hospitals

“Talk about getting a second chance,” explained Tina Saenz, 43, when she found out she was pregnant with her miracle baby.

Saenz had previously gone through fertility treatments to get pregnant with her now 15-year-old son. News of her pregnancy was a dream come true: “I never thought I would have kids again. Just being pregnant then was a miracle.”