Governor On Bill To Reduce Educator Healthcare Costs
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Wednesday announced the introduction and progress of legislation that will reduce the burden of healthcare costs borne by New Mexico educators. Sponsored by Rep. Ray Lara, House Bill 102 was approved by the House Education Committee Wednesday.
HB 102 requires and funds employer coverage of health insurance premiums for all educators covered by the New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority. Accompanied by $100 million in Gov. Lujan Grisham’s executive budget recommendation, the legislation would require Read More
Los Alamos Integrative Health Center Brings The Latest In Natural Healing To Los Alamos
The staff of Los Alamos Integrative Health Center, from left, Mark Huebner, LMT; Claudia Munoz, office assistant; Angie Bartholomew, LMT; Nikhil Ramburn, DOM; Cait Fischer, LMT, Anastasia Tsiagkouis, LMT; and Sarah Heinold, medical assistant. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
By BONNIE J. GORDON
Los Alamos Daily Post
bjgordon@ladailypost.com
Dr. Nikhil Ramburn heads up the dynamic team of health practitioners at Los Alamos Integrative Health Center, a locally-owned, health and wellness clinic. The large, airy clinic in Central Park Square (next door to Rigaberto’s) houses Read More
UNM: Autism-Based Webinar Series Feb. 15
To register for the presentation, click here. If you have questions, please contact our staff at (505).272.1852 or 1.800.270.1861 or HSC-AutismPrograms@salud.unm.edu ATTN: Weaving Colors Read More
MRM: ‘Millicent Unplugged’ Creative Aging: Supporting Vitality Through The Arts
Courtesy/MRM
MRM News:
The Millicent Rogers Museum presents Millicent Unplugged: Creative Aging: Supporting Vitality through the Arts 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2.
As the museum sector gains momentum in bringing awareness, conversation, accessibility, and collaboration to the forefront of consideration in developing programs for older adults, this month’s Millicent Unplugged features the diverse voices of four program specialists in elder care and advocacy. Through community dialogue we hope to understand the unique needs of an aging population and explore the ways in which arts Read More
Los Alamos Police Warn Of Express Scripts Phone Scam
LAPD News:
The Los Alamos Police Department is warning the community about a new scam circulating the area. Officers have received reports that individuals are getting called from Express Scripts asking for personal identifying information such as birthdates and Social Security numbers.
In December, many LANL retirees were notified that Smith’s/Kroger Pharmacies would no longer be affiliated with Express Scripts because of a breakdown in contract negotiations over medical prescription prices. Scam artists are using this information to try and get information from those affected. Read More
Gruninger: Yoga Philosophy – Manomaya Kosha (The Mind Sheath)
By JACCI GRUNINGER, MS, C-IAYT
Los Alamos
While our body sheath is fed by our senses and what we eat and drink, our life force sheath is fed by our breath and energy; our third kosha (Manomaya Kosha) is fed by our impressions, emotions, memories and thoughts.
The first two sheaths inform the third by sharing what we sense and how our energy moves.
Manomaya Kosha is responsible for reacting and responding to what is going on around us. It also makes judgments, processes our thoughts and defines our emotions.
Luckily Manomaya Kosha rests when we nap or sleep which allows for a daily reset or reboot.
During Read More
Leonard: Hard Times? Best Chinese Parable For Becoming Optimistic
By LAURA LEONARD
Doctor of Chiropractic
Los Alamos
I have discussed optimism in my articles more times than I can count on my fingers. In my opinion, developing an optimistic outlook on life is the easiest way to reduce stress and add years to your life.
A recent research review paper covering 25 studies on 217,256 participants, concluded that risk of death from all causes is decreased in people with an optimistic outlook. This is a stunning conclusion considering the stakes at hand.
I have personally witnessed this in my practice. Optimistic patients with less than optimal lifestyle choices Read More
Senators Luján, Daines, Smith Seek Information From Insurance Companies On ‘Ghost Networks’ Impacting Access To Mental Health Care
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) led a bipartisan letter to United Healthcare, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana regarding “ghost networks” that present a challenge to patients in search of in-network providers.
According to a March 2022 GAO report, challenges include inaccurate or out-of-date information on provider networks. Ghost networks occur when providers are on an insurer’s website as being in-network but are either no longer in-network, not accepting Read More
Alzheimer’s Advocacy At New Mexico Roundhouse Feb. 6
Alzheimer’s News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter has announced details of its Alzheimer’s Advocacy Event during the 60-day legislative session underway at the State Capitol.
This event will provide a valuable opportunity for all who are, or have been, affected by the disease to discuss, advocate and increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease with state legislators.
“We are looking forward to engaging our legislators on all proposed policy and reforms that would help ease the heavy burden too many New Mexico families are struggling with daily because of Alzheimer’s Read More
Dr. Scrase To Retire As State Human Services Secretary
Dr. David Scrase
By PHILL CASAUS,
DANIEL J. CHACON
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Dr. David Scrase, whose near-weekly briefings during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic often served as a barometer of the state’s desperate fight against the virus, announced he will retire from state government late next month.
The announcement came late Friday afternoon, often a time when officials release surprising or disquieting news. Scrase, the Cabinet secretary of the state Human Services Department, is one of the few holdovers remaining from the original members of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Read More
Albuquerque Jurors Issue $52 Million Verdict In Insurance Bad Faith Lawsuit Against Professional Underwriters Liability Insurance Company – Subsidiary Of The Doctor’s Company
Attorney Zackeree Kelin of Davis Kelin Trial Lawyers
STATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Davis Kelin Trial Lawyers, an Albuquerque-based premier litigation firm, along with Las Cruces-based McGraw Law, LLC, received a $52 million verdict in an insurance bad faith case against Professional Underwriters Liability Insurance Company (PULIC) — a wholly owned subsidiary of The Doctor’s Company — in a decade-long case relating to unfair insurance practices.
In 2013, PULIC refused to defend and indemnify its insured doctor after he was sued for the wrongful death of multiple patients who died as a result Read More
LAMC Honors Genevieve Fairchild With 2023 Daisy Award
2023 Daisy Award recipient Nurse Genevieve Fairchild. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
LAMC CEO Tracie Stratton presents Nurse Genevieve Fairchild with the 2023 Daisy Award as nominees Dianne Vandiver, seceond from right and Melissa Weiss, right, look on during a special ceremony Monday at the hospital. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) Nurse Genevieve Fairchild was honored as the recipient of the 2023 Daisy Award during a ceremony Monday in the hospital lobby.
The Daisy Award recognizes Read More
Governor-Backed Fund Would Address Shortage Of Health Care Providers In New Mexico’s Rural Areas
Sen. Liz Stefanics
By DANIEL J. CHACON
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Immediately after Dr. Wangler opened a nonprofit health center serving Gallup and McKinley County last year, patients started to pour through her doors.
“We certainly could tell that we had identified a critical need,” said Wangler, founder and executive director of Gallup Community Health.
Since then, the health center has expanded from mostly only Wangler seeing patients to 11 providers working in the burgeoning facility in some capacity or another.
“We believe in paying our staff fairly and making sure that they’re able to Read More
New Mexico Lawmakers Propose Chemical Castration To Keep Paroled Sex Offenders From Harming Children
Rep. Stefani Lord
By ROBERT NOTT
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Legislative sessions in New Mexico often include bills that court controversy.
This year, a pair of House Republicans could stir up the Roundhouse with a proposal that would allow a court to order a convicted sex offender to undergo chemical castration as a condition of their parole.
Reps. John Block of Alamogordo and Stefani Lord of Sandia Park say House Bill 128 would offer sex offenders an option for early release if they agree to the treatment.
Lord said the program would be “voluntary” and is aimed at felons who were convicted of sexually Read More
On The Job In Los Alamos: Dr. Grant At Trinity Urgent Care
On the job in Los Alamos Monday afternoon is Dr. Ed Grant at Trinity Urgent Care, LLC, 1460 Trinity Dr. Suite A & B. Locally owned and operated, Trinity Urgent Care opened its doors to the community on Nov. 30, 2015, and provides up-to-date expert evaluation and treatment covering a wide range of minor emergencies, illnesses and injuries. ‘Trinity Urgent Care is an alternative to the long wait or high cost of a visit to a hospital emergency room. If your own primary care provider isn’t available when you need them, we are, 7 days-a-week.’ To learn more, click here. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
Drs. Aimee Price & Erika Bittner Change Practice Location
Dr. Aimee Price and Dr. Erika Bittner move practice to 557 Oppenheimer Drive. Courtesy photo
ACUPUNCTURE News:
Dr. Aimee Price and Dr. Erika Bittner, whom are both Doctors of Oriental Medicine at The Acupuncture Center of Los Alamos have announced that they have changed locations.
They are now at 557 Oppenheimer Drive and share offices with Los Alamos Chiropractic Center and Sage Integrated Health.
Dr. Price (DOM) has worked at the Acupuncture Center of Los Alamos since 2015 and recently took over ownership in 2021. She has treated everything from back pain, migraines, hot flashes, digestive Read More
Barranca Mesa Healthy Schools Team To Host Strategies For Managing & Resolving Conflict
Circle time in Aleandra Holcomb’s 4th grade class. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
In the schools and in the community we continue to experience the negative effects of the pandemic. Many people, children and adults alike, are struggling with rebuilding connections and managing conflict when it arises.
The Barranca Mesa Elementary Healthy Schools Team would like to invite parents and caregivers of elementary aged students to an opportunity to connect and discuss strategies for managing and resolving conflict.
The vision for Barranca School is that all students will develop positive relationships Read More
NNMC: Introduction To Medical Cannabis For Health Care Professionals March 20-May 12, 2023
NNMC Nursing and Health Sciences Chair Ellen Trabka, MSN, RN
NNMC News:
ESPAÑOLA, — Studies suggest that cannabis can be effective in treating HIV/AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, sleep, anxiety, trauma and other conditions. Research also supports the use of cannabis for reducing pain without the harmful side effects of substances such as opioids. Yet published studies indicate that healthcare professionals lack formal education related to medical cannabis.
Ellen Trabka, MSN, RN, chair of Nursing and Health Sciences at Northern New Mexico College (NNMC), wants Read More
Rep. Stansbury, Sen. Heinrich Highlight Millions In Funding Secured For New Mexico’s First Medical Sobering Center
Jan. 18, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) met with City of Albuquerque officials to discuss how over $4.2 million in direct federal investments that they secured is developing the Gateway Center at Gibson Health Hub, the first medical sobering center in New Mexico. Courtesy photo
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury:
ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) and U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (N.M.) met with City of Albuquerque officials recently to discuss how more than $4.2 million in direct federal investments that they secured Read More
Two GOP Lawmakers Seek Increased Fentanyl Possession Penalties … Which Some Opponents Call Wrong Move
Rep. Bill Rehm
By PHAEDRA HAYWOOD
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Stronger, more addictive and cheaper to manufacture than many other drugs, the synthetic opioid fentanyl has ravaged the country in recent years — becoming one of leading causes of death among adults ages 18 to 45.
New Mexico is no exception.
The rate of fentanyl overdose deaths in the state has increased nearly sevenfold since 2016, according to state Department of Health data, jumping from 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2016 to 16 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020. The drug has caused the death of nearly 600 people in New Mexico since 2016. Read More
