Features - Los Alamos Daily Post

Udall On FDA’s Proposal To Limit Sales Of E-Cigs

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 15, 2018

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the budget for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has released the following statement after the FDA proposed plans to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes, and e-cigarette maker JUUL Labs subsequently announced that it would take steps to curtail sales of its flavored products in retail stores.

The FDA’s proposal and JUUL Labs’ announcement comes after mounting public pressure in response to a surge in vaping using e-cigarettes

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Preventing A Silent Killer

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 15, 2018

By ALLEN MCQUISTON
The Jemez Agency

According to the National Safety Council, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year.

Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it’s odorless, colorless, tasteless, and can easily go undetected. When the cold temperatures start to hit, what’s the first thing we do? We turn on our furnaces to heat our home and tightly seal our windows. If your furnace is emitting poisonous gases, you are trapping them in your house.

Here are a few things you do to help prevent this silent and deadly killer. First, it’s important Read More

UNM-LA Designated EMT National Registry Test Site

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 13, 2018

At the Advanced Adult Airway station, student Michael Crockett demonstrates his skill for proctor Kenny Anderson. Photo by Steve Dawald

Student Joe Martinez performs CPR on the manikin at the Cardiac Arrest Management station, observed by proctor John Bialy. Photo by Steve Dawald

UNMLA News:

UNM–Los Alamos (UNM-LA) was recently designated as a test site for the National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.

The University is now authorized to offer Basic, Advanced and Paramedic Psychomotor National Registry exams. Tests will be scheduled and coordinated as needed.

Through Read More

Are You Covered? Health Insurance Marketplace Now Open Through Dec. 15

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 9, 2018

By JOHN WHITESIDE

LAMC CEO

Nov. 1 marked the beginning of open enrollment for 2019 health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Since debuting in 2013, the Health Insurance Marketplace has provided access to low-cost healthcare coverage for millions who would otherwise be without health insurance or who are interested in taking advantage of more cost-effective alternatives to their current coverage.

“Having health insurance is an important step to achieving and maintaining good health, and the Health Insurance Marketplace has made access to comprehensive coverage Read More

MANNM’s Dr. Gary Jacques Speaks At Rotary

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 9, 2018

Dr. Gary Jacques, who moved to Los Alamos earlier this year with his wife Karen, spoke at Rotary recently about his career with Hope Worldwide, a faith-based, international charity ‘that changes lives by harnessing the compassion and commitment of dedicated staff and volunteers to deliver sustainable, high-impact, community-based services to the poor and needy’. His work of 16 years took him to 40 countries; of those, Cambodia remains one of his most rewarding and memorable experiences. It was there in 2001 that he personally observed the appalling and filthy conditions of a major hospital. Read More

Sheehey: In Support Of NM Health Security Act

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 7, 2018

By PETE SHEEHEY
Los Alamos County Councilor

The Health Security Act (“HSA”, www.nmhealthsecurity.org) is a legislative proposal that has been developed over many years to ensure that all New Mexicans will have comprehensive, affordable and quality health coverage. LANL employees and retirees enjoy good health care insurance, but many in Los Alamos still struggle with the cost of health care.

Continually increasing costs are a serious problem that impacts our state and local government budgets as well as family finances. Los Alamos County spends more than $2 million per year on health care; Read More

DEA Achieves Significant Milestone During 16th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 4, 2018

DEA News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― With the robust participation of Americans nationwide, DEA and its law enforcement partners have now surpassed its 10 million pound goal and collected nearly 11 million pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications over the course of 16 successful DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events.

During the 16 semiannual event, Oct. 27, DEA and federal, state and local partners disposed of more than 900,000 pounds of prescription medications collected at nearly 6,000 sites across the country. Together with almost 5,000 local,

Taylor MD: NM’s Better Approach To Medical Costs

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 3, 2018

By TYLER TAYLOR, MD

Los Alamos

U.S. healthcare costs have been rising faster than consumer inflation for decades.

Cost slow-downs, like after the 2008 financial meltdown, or when HMOs rationed care in the ‘90s, have been brief. Mainstream “fixes” keep failing. Today, in spite of the vast amount we spend, America’s health system still doesn’t cover one out of 10 citizens.

Frustrated with Federal inaction, several states, including Maryland and California, have been trying to find an affordable way forward, while also assuring that all their residents have

Lujan Grisham Calls On NM VA To Implement Inspector General’s Recommendations For Surgical Procedures

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 3, 2018

U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham

STATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Today, U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) sent a letter to New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) Director Andrew Welch in response to a VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation which found that the VA had to delay surgical procedures due to a lack of sterile instruments and equipment.

Lujan Grisham urges Director Welch to immediately implement all of the OIG’s recommendations to fix the problem.

“These issues pose potentially serious health risks to patients that depend

LAMC’s LifePoint Health Announces Future Leadership Team For Merged Organization

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 2, 2018

LifePoint Health News:

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Los Alamos Medical Center’s parent corporation, LifePoint Health (NASDAQ: LPNT), has announced the incoming executive team that will lead the organization following the completion of its merger with RCCH HealthCare Partners.

The transaction is expected to be finalized later this year and will result in LifePoint Health being a privately-held company.

LAMC CEO John Whiteside spoke about the merger late Thursday with the Los Alamos Daily Post.

“This will have absolutely no impact on our hospital. Victor Giovanetti who is named to the new executive Read More

Udall & Colleagues Urge FDA To Protect Kids From Tobacco Use And Addiction

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 2, 2018

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) joined a group of colleagues in calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take stronger action to reduce youth use of addictive electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) by immediately requiring manufacturers to remove kid-appealing flavored e-cigarettes from the market.

More than two million middle and high-schoolers are using e-cigarettes today, making them the most popular form of tobacco product among youth—with 81 percent of kids who have ever tried an e-cigarette starting

NM’s Health Insurance Exchange Shares Plan Selections And Outcomes From Last Year’s Open Enrollment

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 31, 2018

BEWELL NM News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released 2018 Affordable Care Act health insurance Plan Selections and Outcomes of applications for 2018 Open Enrollment.

These reports indicate that 68,259 New Mexicans submitted an application, and 49,792 selected a plan. The number of enrollees who purchased insurance with the help of the advance premium tax credit (APTC), a subsidy that helps pay for insurance premiums, stood at 43,226, or about 86.8 percent.

Year

Total Plan Selection

Eligible for Financial Assistance

Percentage

Rotary: Purple Pinky Day At Los Alamos Elementary Schools Seeks To Help Eradicate Polio

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 31, 2018

Ty Morris of Pinon Elementary School supports Purple Pinky Day and efforts to eradicate polio. Photo by Oliver Morris

Students at Aspen Elementary School stand in line to dip their little fingers for Purple Pinky Day, a project hosted by the Rotary Club of Los Alamos. Principal Michele Altherr takes part in the fun. Photo by Linda Hull

ROTARY News:

In recognition of World Polio Day, Oct. 24, the Rotary Club of Los Alamos recently acknowledged the continuing efforts of Rotary International, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization, the

NM Dept. Of Health Reports 30 Residents Diagnosed With Salmonella Associated With Ground Beef

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 30, 2018

NMDOH News:

Proper hygiene prevents Salmonella infection

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a multi-state cluster of Salmonella infections linked to ground beef.

Since late August, NMDOH has identified 30 New Mexico residents diagnosed with Salmonella after preparing ground beef at home. Illness duration has averaged 13 days and 27 percent of patients were hospitalized.

“Salmonella infection can be a very serious and sometimes deadly illness,” Read More

Proposed Medicaid Cuts Violate Federal Law

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 30, 2018

NMCLP News:

ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico’s Human Services Department proposed cuts to Medicaid would hurt families and violate federal law, said the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty in comments submitted Monday on the department’s Centennial Care 2.0 waiver proposal.

“Everyone needs access to healthcare coverage,” said William Townley, an attorney with the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty. “But HSD’s proposed cuts to Medicaid would force many New Mexican families to go into debt or simply drop coverage. That’s bad news for all of us. We know that when people go without healthcare,

Halloween Party Supports Make-A-Wish® New Mexico

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 28, 2018

Make-A-Wish® New Mexico News:

ALBUQUERQUE – Garcia Subaru North will host a Halloween Party to support Make-A-Wish® New Mexico.

The event is 6-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 and includes Halloween activities, costumes, and of course trick-or-treating for Wish kids and children from the community.

The party is open to the public. Garcia Subaru North is at 6401 San Mateo Blvd NE.

The Halloween Party will generate excitement and kick-off the 11th annual Subaru Share the Love® Event which runs Nov. 15 through Jan. 2, 2019. During this time, for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased, Subaru Read More

New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange Continues Path To State-Based Platform, Names 2019 Vendor Contracts

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 27, 2018

INSURANCE News:

Waite Company, UNM, REDW Among 2019 Contracts

ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange approved a number of contracts important to its operations and key to beWellnm’s future transition to a state-based exchange during a special board meeting earlier today.

A 2019 data-sharing partnership with the Office of the Superintendent (OSI), the University of New Mexico and two exchange carriers was approved Friday. The agreement was among the contract decisions passed at the Oct. 26, 2018, board meeting at the Marriott Pyramid North.

The data from the Read More

Lujan Grisham Announces Healthcare Action Plan

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 27, 2018

U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham

From the Michelle Lujan Grisham for Governor Campaign:

ALBUQUERQUE ― U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham has released her plan to build a Healthcare System that Works for all New Mexicans.

The action plan details the nine steps she will immediately take as governor to make healthcare more accessible to New Mexico families.

“Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege,” Lujan Grisham said. “Too many New Mexicans suffer from a healthcare system that is understaffed, hard to understand, and not affordable. As governor, I will immediately

Medical Associates Of Northern New Mexico Thanks Community For 1st Walk/Run For Diabetes Participation

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 26, 2018

The Los Alamos Fire Department offering blood sugar checks at the 1st Walk/Run for Diabetes. Photo by Andrea Villareal

Participants lining up at the start of the 1st Walk/Run for Diabetes. Photo by Andrea Villareal

Ian Alexander getting ahead of the pack to win the fastest time among the males. Photo by Andrea Villareal

MANNM News:

Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico ( MANNM) would like to extend its gratitude to the participants and the community for coming out to support the 1st Run/ Walk for Diabetes Oct. 6 at Rover Park in WHite Rock.

MANNM plans for the event to be held annually in the fall. Read More

Heinrich Joins Advocates To Highlight Importance Of Health Care & Social Security In Midterm Election

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 24, 2018

Dr. Mark Epstein, left, Melanie Stansbury, Elva Santos and Sen. Martin Heinrich. Courtesy photo

From the Martin Heinrich for Senate Campaign:

ALBUQUERQUE ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich joined volunteers and community advocates Monday for a Protect Our Health Care & Social Security Phone Bank to highlight what’s at stake in the midterm election.

Speakers at the event included Heinrich, candidate for U.S. Senate, as well as candidate for House Dist. 28 Melanie Stansbury, Chief Medical Officer at True Health New Mexico Dr. Mark Esptein and President of the New

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