First Born Program To Host Prenatal Retreat Friday Aug. 18
First Born Program News:
The First Born Program of Los Alamos is hosting a prenatal retreat for first time parents to be noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18.
This event will cover information about newborn feeding and sleeping, short demonstrations on infant massage, infant CPR and choking first aid, plus some parent-to-be well being and self care tips.
This free event will include healthy snacks and a light lunch. This is irst Born Program’s third event of this sort and parents have said they greatly appreciate the knowledge and connections they have made with other families in the community.
This Read More
Los Alamos Battle Of The Badges Blood Drive Aug. 24-25
Blood Drive News:
Los Alamos Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is 11. a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday Aug. 24 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 at First Baptist Church, 2200 Diamond Drive.
Go to Vitalant.org/donate and use Blood Drive Code AB174 to sign up, however walk ins are welcome. Read More
Leonard: Seven Important Keys In The Pursuit Of Happiness
By LAURA LEONARD
Doctor of Chiropractic
Los Alamos
The quest for happiness is and has always been a fundamental human aspiration. While the path to happiness is as unique as the individual seeking it, there are some key principles backed up by research, anecdotal stories, parables and life experiences that form the foundation of a fulfilling and joyful life.
Positive Relationships
We are born as social beings. The connections we make with family, friends, partners and pets shape our sense of emotional well-being. Positive relationships offer a safety net of support during life’s Read More
New Mexico Environment Department Confirms Boil Water Advisory Required For Village Of Angel Fire After E. Coli Detected In Samples
NMED News:
ANGEL FIRE — The New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Drinking Water Bureau confirms that a boil water advisory is required for the Village of Angel Fire.
The Village of Angel Fire was required to issue the advisory Aug. 11, 2023, after E. coli, a bacteria, was detected in water samples collected from the water system’s distribution and Peralta 2 Well.
New Mexico drinking water regulations require the Village of Angel Fire to notify their water system consumers of this finding as soon as practical but no later than 24 hours after the system is notified of the confirmation of Read More
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs Extends Deadline To File For PACT Act Backdated Benefits
NMDVS News:
SANTA FE — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has extended the deadline for veterans and survivors applying for PACT Act backdated benefits claims to 9:59 p.m., MST Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.
The PACT Act is the federal law signed by President Joe Biden last year that opens up VA health care for veterans who may be suffering from health issues they believe are linked to service-connected exposure to toxic materials.
Veterans or survivors who apply for PACT Act benefits prior to the deadline extension may, if granted compensation, receive payments backdated to Aug. 10, 2022—when Read More
Court Orders Mewbourne Oil Company To Pay $5.5 Million & Reduce Unlawful Air Pollution From Oil & Gas Wells In New Mexico & Texas
Cabinet Secretary James Kenney
NMED News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mewbourne Oil Company has agreed to pay a $5.5 million penalty and to spend at least $4.6 million for projects to ensure 422 of its oil and gas battery pads in New Mexico and Texas comply with state and federal clean air regulations.
These terms are in settlement of claims of unlawful operations alleged in a civil complaint filed today under the federal Clean Air Act and New Mexico state law. Mewbourne’s actions taken pursuant to the deal will eliminate more than 11,000 tons of harmful pollutants from the air each year.
“Good air quality Read More
‘Facing Your Fears’ For Youth W/ Autism Spectrum Disorders
Weaving Colors: Autism & The Native Community Aug.16
Click here or scan the QR Code above. Courtesy/UNM Read More
Local First Born Families Benefit From Baby2Baby Initiative
Vice President Kamala Harris in front of some of the Baby2Baby Newborn Supply Kits during the announcement of the program. Courtesy/FBPLA
Some of the items included in the Baby2Baby Newborn Supply Kits. Courtesy/FBPLA
FBPLA News:
First Born Program of Los Alamos (FBPLA) announces participation in a collaboration with Baby2Baby and the Department of Health and Human Services.
First Born Home Visitors are distributing newborn kits from Baby2Baby to families in the Los Alamos program. 3 weeks later, families are asked to complete a survey (not a requirement of the pilot but greatly appreciated) Read More
Home Instead: ‘The Rock To End Alzheimer’s’ Aug. 27
Alzheimer’s News:
The Rock to End Alzheimer’s 2023 fundraiser is shaping up to be an incredible event that promises to bring together music lovers and supporters of a great cause.
Here are a few key points:
The event is set to take place 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 at the Santa Fe Brewing HQ, which promises to be a fantastic venue for the day’s festivities.
Funds raised during the event will go towards supporting two important organizations: the Alzheimer’s Association New Mexico Chapter and the Life Circle Adult Day Center. Both of these organizations provide vital services to those affected Read More
DEA Hosts Listening Sessions On Telemedicine Regulations
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host public listening sessions Sept. 12-13 to receive comments from healthcare practitioners, experts, advocates, patients and other members of the public to inform DEA’s regulations on prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine.
The listening sessions will be held in person and livestreamed with remote participation available.
WHERE: DEA Headquarters, 700 Army Navy Drive Arlington, Va. 22202
Beginning August 7, members of the public wishing to attend in person (space permitting) must register Read More
New Mexico Higher Education Department Offering Loan Forgiveness For Residents Pursuing Careers In Dentistry, Optometry & Veterinary Medicine
Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez
NMHED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) is now accepting applications for a loan-for-service program providing up to 100 percent student loan forgiveness for New Mexico residents who graduate from one of 23 out-of-state graduate and professional programs in dentistry, optometry, and veterinary medicine.
The Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education (WICHE) Loan-for-Service Program forgives a portion of student loans for each year of service licensed professionals provide in New Mexico after graduating
New Mexico Health Department Issues Essential Guidance To Address Smoke Impacts From Fires Across State
DOH News:
SANTA FE — High winds, heat, and extremely dry conditions are contributing to several wildfires and human caused fires across the state in recent days which is putting smoke into the air.
To safeguard residents from potential health hazards posed by the pervasive smoke, the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) has released vital guidelines aimed at providing comprehensive protection.
“Amid the current fire-induced challenges, the health and well-being of our residents remain our top priority,” said Heidi Krapfl, Deputy Director of the DOH Epidemiology & Response Division Read More
Rotary Guest Speaker: LAMC CEO Tracie Stratton
Los Alamos Medical Center CEO Tracie Stratton speaking to Rotary members recently. Photo by Linda Hull
By LINDA HULL
Rotary Club of Los Alamos
Tracie Stratton, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC), spoke at the July 18 meeting of the Rotary Club of Los Alamos held on the grounds of Los Alamos Public Schools.
During her presentation, Stratton addressed the challenges of the pandemic and the “tough years in healthcare” it presented. Nationwide, there was a “mass exodus” from all categories of clinical staff compounded by those who left their home facilities to travel Read More
Skolnik: Keeping Our Children Healthy & In School
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock
Last year, LAPS, like many school districts in the US, faced high levels of absenteeism.
As school opens this year, there are a number of health-related measures that LAPS should take to try to keep our children healthy and in school:
- Data on absenteeism – The LAPS should collect information on absences in a consistent way across schools. On a periodic basis, LAPS should also audit attendance data to be sure it is as accurate as possible.
- Causes of absenteeism – The LAPS should, with the help of an epidemiologist as needed, carry out regular analyses of its data on absenteeism,
Meadows: Shopping Along The Perimeter
By JENNIFER MEADOWS
Deeply Rooted Nutritional Therapy
Los Alamos
Grocery shopping can sometimes feel like a chore. If you’re trying to improve your health and eat differently, it can be downright daunting. With so many choices available today, it can be hard to know which products really are the best for you. Even the smallest grocery stores have tens of thousands of items, many of which claim to be good for you in some way. It’s a lot to navigate and who has the time to do the research necessary to really know which choice is best?
Hands down, one of the best things we can do for our health is to remove Read More
Governor Announces Rural Health Care Delivery Fund Applications Open In New Mexico
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced that providers may apply for the $80 million from the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund created earlier this year as part of the governor’s commitment to expanding health care in New Mexico.
“New Mexicans living in rural parts of our state should have the same access to high-quality and affordable health care, period,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “This fund is a crucial part of our overarching strategy to strengthen our state’s rural health care systems, improve access to care, and advance health equity across New Mexico.” Read More
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Fights To Extend Veteran’s Enrollment Deadline Under PACT Act For Health Care Coverage Treating Toxin-Exposure-Related Injuries
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) sent a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Friday urging an extension of the enrollment period deadline for veterans applying to retrieve retroactive benefits under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act.
Last year, the historic PACT Act was signed into law to provide 3.5 million veterans with health care coverage for treating toxin-exposure-related health injuries— marking the VA’s most expansive health care benefits Read More
NACo: Counties Encouraged By White House Action On Mental Health Parity
NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase
NACo News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — County leaders across the nation Tuesday joined President Biden for the announcement of a new proposed role to reinforce elements of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).
Mental health parity is a cornerstone of the work of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing.
“Counties are feeling the strain of the rising demand for mental health services and ensuring this crisis is addressed. To achieve our shared goals, a strong intergovernmental partnership Read More
Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández: Over $1.5M Funding To Fight Opioid Epidemic, Substance Abuse In New Mexico
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
SANTA FE – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) announced $1,524,625 in federal funding for the Santa Fe Recovery Center, Inc. from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to combat the opioid epidemic and substance abuse in communities across New Mexico.
The funding will go toward recovery addiction treatment, recovery services, and overdose prevention. It will also expand the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Access program, which the delegation passed Read More
