Healthcare

Flu Spreads At Central NM Correctional Facility

STATE News:

Over the course of the last three days, an increase in Influenza symptoms has been detected within the inmate population housed at the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas.

Those diagnosed or presenting symptoms consistent with Influenza Virus are receiving supportive medical treatment. Because 31 patients have presented with influenza symptoms or similar complaints, the New Mexico Corrections Department’s medical provider, Corizon, has partnered with the Department of Health to provide additional support for conducting expedited examinations and Read More

Madhavi Garimella M.D.: Understanding Osteoporosis

By MADHAVI GARIMELLA, M.D.
Medical Associates of Northern NM

What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis which means “porous bone” is a condition of weakening of the structure of the bone leading to an increased risk for fracture. Many people have osteoporosis and do not know about it as they have no symptoms at all.

Osteoporosis does not cause any pain unless you have a fracture.

Why should we worry about osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a major cause of morbidity in older Americans. A hip fracture can cause quite a setback in terms of costs both in terms of time, money and morale due to surgery and rehabilitation. Read More

Letter To The Editor: Excellence At Sombrillo

By ED EMERSON
Los Alamos
 
I have recently spent about a month in the Sombrillo Nursing and Rehabilitation facility on Sombrillo Court because of a shoulder injury. I am a long-time Quemazon resident.
 
I would like to bring to the Los Alamos community’s attention the excellence of the recently renovated facility. The highly motivated and experienced therapy staff working in a large and beautiful rehabilitation room with cutting edge equipment was central to my healing. I am so appreciative of the physical and occupational therapists – Danielle and Rita. These specialists
Read More

New Mexico Has Lowest Rate Of Workers With Paid Sick Leave In Nation

VFC News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE — Nearly 50 percent of workers in New Mexico do not receive paid sick leave benefits at their jobs.
 
This means that these workers cannot stay home or see a doctor when they or a family member are ill without losing wages. This is just one of the many reasons that poverty is so persistent in New Mexico. That’s among the conclusions of the report “Valuing Families at Work: The Case for Paid Sick Leave” being released today by New Mexico Voices for Children.
 
“No parent should ever have to make the terrible choice between paying their bills and caring for a sick child,
Read More

Mental Health Design Team Community Presentation Is Tonight

LAPS News:
 
Los Alamos Public Schools’ Mental Health Design Team is hosting a community presentation to engage the community in dialog around the Healthy School and Community Initiative 5:30-7 p.m. today, Feb. 29, in the Student Center, Building 2 at UNM-LA.
 
The presentation will include an overview of the team’s work in the Fall of 2015 and short and long term recommendations for a path forward. The presentations and recommendations are intended to engage the schools and community in active collaboration around the issues
Read More

6th Annual Run For Her Life 5K-10K Races April 10

Runners cross the finish line at the 2013 Run for Her Life Race in Los Alamos. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

COMMUNITY News:

The 6th Annual Run For Her Life 5k and 10K Races begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 10 at East Park on East Road (M.M. 502).

All proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Research.

Registration forms available at www.atomicrunners.com. For more information, call 505.672.1639. Read More

Hospital Ransomware Plague Growing Worldwide

HSNW News:

Homeland Security News Wire reports that hackers have attacked several hospitals in Germany with ransomware – locking medical files and demanding ransom payment for releasing the encrypted data.

The blackmailing of hospitals by encrypting their medical file has become a growing problem around the world. In California, for example, a Hollywood hospital earlier this month had to pay about $17,000 in the digital currency bitcoins to hackers in order to regain access to medical files.

Two weeks ago, an employee at the Lukas Hospital in Neuss, a city in western Germany, noticed Read More

Los Alamos Medical Center’s Cardio Rehab Program

The Los Alamos Medical Center Cardio-Rehab Team from left, Miyuki Coombs, Barbara Blair and Euphrasia Romero. Also on the team is Ivanka Velisavljevic (not pictured). Courtesy photo

LAMC News:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. claiming more than 500,000 lives in this country annually.

An additional 1,500,000 Americans suffer heart attacks, often striking individuals in their most productive years.

  • Pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death in this nation.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects nearly two million Americans and asthma more
Read More

Learn About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

LAMC News:

As we conclude our observation of Heart Health Month, let’s take a look at COPD–Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a term used to describe a variety progressive lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, non-reversible asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis.

Many people consider a shortness of breath and coughing as part of the aging process, but that is not necessarily so. COPD can sneak up on you, developing for years without problematic breathlessness.

This is an issue because if COPD is identified early, intervention can slow the loss Read More

Morning Meditation ‘Deepening The Heart’ Friday

COMMUNITY News:
 
A morning of Insight Meditation with Abhaya Kopka, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 at The Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, 195 East Road, Suite 101.
 
The program includes a guided sitting and walking meditation and finishes with a Dharma Talk and Sharing. Each student will have a one on one meeting with the teacher. A variety of teas will be available. The class is free. Donations are welcome.
 
For more information call 505.579.4072 or abhayasong@hotmail.com.
Read More