Healthcare

LANL: First Comprehensive Study Finds New Mexicans Likely Among Most At-Risk Populations For Valley Fever

by

A new study finds that Valley fever, a fungal disease that is contracted when infected soil is inhaled, is present in New Mexico. People most at risk are those who live in dry, dustier areas of the state that are prone to dust storms. Courtesy/Dreamstime.com

LANL News:

  • Evidence of the fungal disease found in Catron, Doña Ana, Sierra and Socorro counties, with the most reported in the northwest and southwest part of the state

The first comprehensive study of Valley fever in New Mexico found that people in the state are likely among the most at-risk populations for the disease in the United States. Read More

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Seeks Help For Ruidoso Victims

by

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

  • “Let’s help Ruidoso rebuild”.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich met Friday with emergency managers and local leadership in Ruidoso.

“We’re all strategizing on the path forward, and how to best help the community as it rebuilds from the devastating floods this week,” Sen. Heinrich said. “I’m reaching out to ask for your support. Let’s all step up for our neighbors and lend a helping hand. If you’re able to make a monetary donation, you can do so right here. If you’re local, here’s a list of donation and distribution sites in the area. 

“Thank you in advance for Read More

Vitalant Blood Donation At Smith’s Marketplace July 12

by

COMMUNITY News:

Summer finds Vitalant Blood Donation Drives with many urgent needs for donations. “During holiday times and summer, many are busy with holiday preparations or traveling on vacation,” Account Manager Heidi Chase said. “We see a significant decline in blood donations during this time.”

The Vitalant team has stepped up its presence during the season, so it can reach as many donors as possible. July 12 and Aug. 16 are two such opportunities where residents can donate at our local Smith’s Marketplace.

“If the weather is too hot for you come cool off in the mobile air-conditioned unit. Read More

Los Alamos County Animal Control Urges Caution As Rattlesnake Activity Increases Around Community

by

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Animal Control officials urge residents to use caution when outdoors, as seasonal climate conditions and recent sightings indicate an increase in rattlesnake activity.

“Rattlesnakes play an important role in the local ecosystem but can pose a danger when startled or provoked,” Animal Control Supervisor Theresa Phelan said. “Awareness and simple precautions can go a long way in preventing incidents.”

Phelan provided the following safety tips for avoiding snake encounters while outdoors:

  • Stay on trails and avoid tall weeds or underbrush.
  • Wear boots and
Read More

Los Alamos Public Health Office Staffed By NMDOH Temporarily Suspends Clinical Services

by

The sign displayed at the Los Alamos Public Health Office announcing its temporary closure at 1183 Diamond Drive, Unit D. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos Public Health Office at 1183 Diamond Drive, Unit D, and staffed by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), is temporarily suspending clinical services for the next several weeks due to staffing shortages.

For assistance, residents are encouraged to contact NMDOH at 505.476.2600 for the Santa Fe location or 505.753.2794 for the Espaňola location.

Additionally, residents can visit the NMDOH website https://www.nmhealth.org Read More

Second Sunday Forum: Self Help–All That’s New Since ’22

by

SELF HELP News:

The public is invited to attend the Second Sunday Forum at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, where Executive Director Diane Smogor will present Self Help—All That’s New Since ’22. The presentation will start at noon, Sunday, July 13, at 1738 North Sage St.

Attendees will hear an inspirational talk and learn how this Los Alamos-based organization helps hundreds of needy neighbors.

Self Help is a dynamic organization, providing emergency assistance to people across the region, using approaches that are fast and effective. The presentation will share information about the Read More

Governor Secures Federal Resources For Ruidoso Disaster

by

From the Office of the Governor: 

          • State works with federal partners for additional financial assistance

SANTA FE – The state of New Mexico today received partial approval for a federal emergency declaration for flood-damaged communities, providing immediate federal personnel resources to support response and recovery efforts in Ruidoso while work continues to secure additional federal assistance.

“This federal declaration is a critical first step, but it’s not everything Ruidoso needs and deserves,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “We will continue working with the federal Read More

Alzheimer’s And Extreme Heat: Exercise Caution

by

HEALTH News:

As temperatures rise, extreme heat can have a significant impact on everyone’s safety, but these conditions can be especially stressful and confusing for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

“Alzheimer’s disease causes a number of changes in the brain and body that may affect the individual’s safety, including changes in sensitivity to temperatures,” Donald Smithburg said, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of New Mexico.

According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people living with Alzheimer’s were 6% more likely to die Read More

Luján, Boozman Reintroduce Legislation To Prevent Physical Therapy Interruptions For Medicare Patients

by

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) reintroduced the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act to prevent the interruption of physical therapy services nationwide. For many senior Medicare patients, physical therapy services can help restore mobility and patient’s ability to function and live independently with a higher quality of life. But too often, services can be interrupted if a practitioner is not available leaving seniors without care.

The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act builds on Read More

Senior Activity Centers Prepare To Navigate Unprecedented Challenges With Community Support

by

By JACCI GRUNUNGER
Executive Director
LARSO

Dear Members, Friends, and Valued Supporters,

It is with a profound sense of urgency and a heavy heart that I reach out to you today. Our beloved Senior Activity Centers, cornerstones of the Los Alamos community for so many years, are facing an unprecedented challenge.

We recently received news of significant funding cuts from federal and state government sources. This jeopardizes our ability to continue offering the full scope of programs and services essential to our older adults’ well-being.

Los Alamos residents are getting older, and the demand Read More