For Your Health

Upcoming Radio Show

2010-12-01T08:55:00.002-07:00

Upcoming Radio Show Guests - December 1, 2010

"Prescription for Health" KSNM 570 AM's radio show discusses a variety of health and community topics. Hosts Amanda Lopez Askin and Audrey Hartley discuss health issues relevant to Doña Ana County, happenings that affect your health, and community events. We bring in local experts from the area and field questions from listeners, every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Today we welcome Meribeth Hauenstein with the NM Department of Health. Meribeth will offer helpful tips for recovery with drugs and alcohol. Also, some advice for people struggling with the upcoming holidays!

Also on today is our regular guest, Las Cruces Police Chief Richard Williams and Fire Chief Travis Brown, offering tips on how to stay safe and healthy this holiday season.

Please call us with questions! 575-527-4570. We are now streaming live on the internet! www.ksnm570.am If you prefer email us at AmandaJ.Lopez@state.nm.us, or to offer suggestions or feedback on the show.

To listen to past shows go to: http://www.ksnm570.am/ or "fan" us on Facebook!

Welcome Dr. Obi Okoli

2010-10-19T15:26:00.000-06:00

Las Cruces is wonderful place to live as many national surveys and rankings often demonstrate. There are many factors that contribute to our high quality of life here in southern New Mexico, one of them being the top-notch healthcare services we have in our border communities. We have multiple thriving hospitals and a strong safety net of public and nonprofit organizations serving low income and uninsured persons. We have a university and community college turning out needed new healthcare professionals. This type of dynamic, diverse environment is one that attracts other providers to come here for career opportunities.

Recently Dr. Obi Okoli settled in Las Cruces to establish a medical practice. Dr. Okoli specializes in Infectious Diseases and has a Master of Public Health Degree. He completed his Infectious Disease Residency in Chicago and his Infectious Disease Fellowship in Milwaukee. He has admitting privileges at both local community hospitals.

Today Dr. Okoli began volunteering at the Department of Health Public Health Region 5. He has graciously offered to provide clinical services to persons with HIV/AIDS with at least one half-day clinic session a week. With his expertise and oversight, this special population will have a facility where medical care and medical case management along with supportive services are available in a single location in the Community Collaborative Care (CCC) Program at 1170. N. Solano Drive (at the intersection with Spruce Ave.).

In March of this year Public Health Region 5 in Las Cruces became one of five (5) HIV Health Management Alliance (HMA) organizations in New Mexico and is charged with care coordination for persons with HIV/AIDS in a ten-county catchment area by establishing a network of collaborating providers for healthcare service delivery. Other members of this HMA network are: La Clinica de Familia, Rio Grande Medical Group, and the Southern New Mexico Family Medicine Residency Program at Memorial Medical Center.

For more information about the Community Collaborative Care Program and HIV services in Las Cruces, you may visit the Region 5 Website at http://www.healthynm.org/ or call 575-528-5031.

~Ray Stewart, Director
NMDOH Public Health Region 5

National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month 2010

2010-09-23T15:11:00.000-06:00

It is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month, an annual occasion that sets forth the notion that an addict can recover from alcohol and drug dependency. Addiction can be a terrible thing; tens of millions suffer from it every year, including 10% of New Mexico’s population according to StateMaster. Not only do the addicted suffer, but so too do his or her loved ones they have to watch his or her life slowly unravel.

Quitting addiction can be quite a difficult task, due to the more widespread availability of drugs. Since President Felipe Calderon took office and announced his an armed effort against them, many have smuggled and sold their products to foreign countries, with the United States receiving 70% of drugs “exported.” Due to its proximity to Mexico, New Mexico is a major haven for drug traffickers. Methamphetamines, black tar heroin, ecstasy and cocaine have become easily accessible within the state as a result, admittance for drug abuse treatment nearly doubled from 2004 to 2005 and the numbers have escalated for many years. National household survey data estimated that roughly 58,000 New Mexicans aged 12 years or older were in need of drug treatment from 2005-2007 alone.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Though the drug treatment admittance rate spiked to a five digit number after this drug war escalated, the specific number has lowered to four digits for the first time since 2005. This could either mean that less people are requiring treatment, or that less are reporting that they require it.

You have the chance to make a difference for someone you know and love that is plagued by addiction. The Purpose of National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery month is to get the community involved in combating drug and alcohol dependency, but it is not merely limited to September. If you know somebody who is suffering addiction, you can find a proper rehabilitation center from the New Mexico State Directory of Alltreatment .com to get that person help. The official Recovery Month website is holding several events for community involvement as well. When drug usage was at an all-time low in New Mexico, Nina Shah of the New Mexico Department of Health Epidemiology and Response Division cited “combined efforts from public health entities, health care providers, law enforcement and community stakeholders” as a cause for this reduction. If you do your part, perhaps this time can come again.

~Brandon Yu
Guest Blogger

2010-04-27T10:24:00.005-06:00

Upcoming Radio Show Guests

"Prescription for Health" KSNM 570 AM's radio show discusses a variety of health and community topics. Hosts Chris Minnick and Amanda J. Lopez discuss health issues relevant to Doña Ana County, happenings that affect your health, and community events. We bring in local experts from the area and field questions from listeners, every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Please call us with questions! 575-527-4570 or 1-877-576-6570
If you prefer email us at rx@kgrt.com or if you have suggestions or feedback on the show AmandaJ.Lopez@state.nm.us

To listen to past shows go to: http://www.ksnm570.am/ or "fan" us on Facebook!

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

4:00 - Joanne and Rick Ferrary/Underage Drinking Prevention Coalition
4:30 - Mickey Curtis and Sandra Gonzales/Families and Youth, Inc.
5:00 - Kelsey Crooks/ Feautured in April's Healthy U Issue

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

4:00 - Richard Coltharp/Healthy U Magazine
4:30 - Lisa Chavez/Gadsden Middle School SBHC Coordinator
5:00 - Jeanne Resendez/Jason Foundation Suice Prevention

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

4:00 - TBA TBA
4:30 - Larry Roybal Candidate for Dona Ana County Sheriff
5:00 - Nate Cote Legislator

Public Health Strong

2010-04-12T10:37:00.003-06:00

As our country's economic turmoil seems to be stabilizing somewhat, lots of people are speculating on what the outlook is for our standard of living as Americans. Will the long-term impact mean that we will have to cut back on our consumption of energy and goods, or will be eventually return to our previous habits and levels of consumption?

As we New Mexicans struggle to balance our budget, it is clear that Public Health will not emerge unscathed. What that will mean to our programming is still in the works, but it's unrealistic to think that with millions of dollars less to operate, things will return to business as usual. So, our department must prioritize our efforts and our dollars. I'm sure in the process we'll also be trying to measure the impact of the decisions that are made on the health of our citizens. That will help to evaluate those decisions and perhaps make programmatic adjustment on down the line. Undoubtedly some of that will occur as well as needing to implement rapid responses to new or emerging health threats like Dengue Fever as it continues to invade northward.

Just as our military has recently announced its new focus on enhancing their rapid deployment forces capabilities, Public Health may need to continue to develop ours. It's gratifying to see how well our New Mexico Public Health Division's deployment of resources resulted in our state having the highest H1N1 vaccination rates in our region of five states, and we exceeded the national median of vaccination rates across all age groups!

We've all heard of "ARMY STRONG!", well we can add to that "PUBLIC HEALTH STRONG!"

2010-02-23T14:41:00.003-07:00

Helping the regional staff gear-up to take on the HIV Health Management Alliance (HMA) services in our area is proving to be an exciting and challenging task. We have some talented individuals, like Travis, the new Program Manager, who will be a great credit to the task. I see it as a natural extension to the services that Travis was already supervising: the disease prevention team, who has as one of their primary responsibilities, the tracking, interviewing and educating of HIV positive persons. With the addition of the HMA program, which has been named the Public Health Region 5 Community Collaborative Care Program (CCC Program - not to be confused with the three C's, which my father was in just before he was drafted into the infantry for WWII - but that's a story for another day), Region 5 will be able to not only identify and notify HIV positive clients, but continue on to offer them the full array of HMA services in the CCC program. I could also tell you that it's all done in conjunction with ECHO out of UNMHSC, but then there are just too darn many acronyms to track! Have a nice day (HAND)!

Patrick

2009-10-20T09:12:00.001-06:00

Big Changes for the WIC Program

Another BIG change for the WIC (Women, Infants, Children) program!! Not too long ago the WIC program converted its benefit issuance system from paper checks to an electronic benefit system e-WIC and now the BIG change is to its food packages. The new changes facilitate the tracking of clients, vendors and sales. On October 1st the WIC program began to issue its new WIC food packages. This was a long awaited change for the WIC program. Food packages had not been changed since the start of the WIC program 35 years ago. The change is due to the recent USDA requirement of adding new foods that would increase the nutritional content, variety, and acceptability of WIC’s food benefits. WIC staff, clients, and vendors are EXCITED about the new changes to the WIC food packages.

What are those changes? The new WIC foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, soy milk or tofu…just to mention a few. The food packages are lower in fat and higher in fiber, offer a variety of choices for all ages, and help maintain a healthy weight. Infant food packages (6mo -11mo) include baby food. To reduce the fat…women and children (2-5yrs) food packages contain less milk and can only purchase low fat milk, less cheese, less eggs, and less juice. The new food packages can also be customized for WIC participants with medical conditions to help meet the nutritional needs recommended by their health care provider. The new WIC food package for breastfeeding women encourages exclusive breastfeeding, provides more nutrition/foods for both mother and baby who don’t use formula or limit their formula use. Changes to the woman and infant food packages will assist in the increase of breastfeeding rates in the US.

To prepare for this BIG change…the NM WIC program began to educate and prepare its WIC participants during their nutrition education classes since August 2009. The positive feedback from the WIC participants has been overwhelming. Most NM WIC participants could not wait for October 1st to roll around so they could enjoy the new foods and recipes.

Recently the Region 5 WIC staff held a two day long training [September 28 and 29] for 60 WIC staff on the new WIC food packages and policies while the NM WIC computer system was upgraded to include the new food packages. Included on the agenda was a section on “food tasting.” The Region 5 WIC staff and Las Cruces local health office enjoyed tasting 10 different recipes containing the new foods. Food was prepared by Stella Alba (Community Wellness Program Health Educator), Ruth Bayardo (contract employee), and Renee Brown (NMSU student).

The Region 5 WIC program provides WIC benefits to approximately 17,100 WIC participants each month in Otero, Lincoln, Torrance, Socorro, Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra, and Dona Ana counties. In the Las Cruces area the WIC program serves approximately 6,000 WIC participants of which 4,000 are from the main Las Cruces Public Health office while 1,000 are from the West Las Cruces/NMSU public health office and the other 1,000 are from the East Mesa/White Sands public health office. The impact the change can bring to WIC participants is significant. The WIC staff is elated for now they have an additional tool that they can use to assist the WIC participant in creating healthy lifestyles and making healthy food choices by providing healthy recipes, incorporation of motivational interviewing, and facilitated nutrition education.

For more information you can visit us at www.nmwic.org.

~Elsa M. Quintana, WIC Regional Supervisor

2009-10-16T13:40:00.001-06:00

Next Week On The Radio

The November 4th Edition of "Prescription for Health" will feature Travis Leyva, with the NM Dept of Health, to talk about Overdose Prevention Training and Narcan Distribution. Other guests will address health issues and offer advice to life a healthier and happier life.

Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Visit our website at www.ksnmhealth.com Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com.

~Amanda J. Lopez

2009-10-06T14:58:00.000-06:00

National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month

We have just finished our community awareness campaign for National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Las Cruces. Each September SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the US Department of Health & Human Services) sponsors intensive efforts to disseminate public health messaging to promote the societal benefits of alcohol and drug use disorder treatment, recognize the contributions of treatment providers with best practices, and stress that patient recovery from addictions in all its forms is possible especially by reducing the stigma associated with seeking treatment and improving funding streams for comprehensive substance abuse treatment.

Our approach this year was multifaceted as usual with many community components regarding public health addiction services: we published and distributed our first edition of the Borderland Buprenorphine Bulletin; staff had an appearance on a radio talk show, a behavioral health clinician wrote an article for a local newspaper; health educators made presentations to other organizations that might refer patients to us for treatment, and we provided video clips to the City of Las Cruces to run on their community access TV channel on cable.

Our public health commitment to addiction services is a strong one that was initiated with the NM Harm Reduction Act of 1997. Within this philosophical framework harm reduction is any intervention, policy or practice to reduce the serious negative consequences of drug use without requiring drug use cessation or abstinence. We used this year’s events to promote our Public Health Buprenorphine/Suboxone Clinic we have operated in Las Cruces since July 2007. We presently have over 130 patients in treatment for addiction to heroin and/or prescription painkillers or as an option to methadone maintenance therapy. Some people drive two or more hours to receive services with us.

Our multi-disciplinary team of licensed professionals offers medicated assisted therapy along with one to one counseling and support groups. The many phone calls and emails from providers, consumers, and other stakeholders in the field of substance abuse treatment along with friends and family members affected by alcohol and drugs were very inspirational for us as we try to balance out our available resources with obvious community needs and priorities. This type of response from individuals and institutions validates our health-related initiatives and special projects that build programmatic bridges among infectious and chronic diseases with behavioral health disorders like substance abuse.

For more information, please visit the Recovery Month website http://www.recoverymonth.gov/ since the campaign is not limited to just a single month. You can participate any time of the year. We particularly recommend this Multimedia section of this Internet site. It has many informative audio and video podcasts that are appropriate for a wide range of audiences. Our website http://www.healthynm.org/ has a lot of materials that may benefit you, your family, and the community in terms of substance abuse service options.

~ Ray Stewart, Public Health Director, Region 5

2009-10-02T15:21:00.002-06:00

Next Week On The Radio

The October 7th Edition of "Prescription for Health" will feature our regular special guest, Healthy U Magazine Editor Richard Coltharp, who will review the October issue of the magazine with us.

Also featured will be Julie "Cookie" Kennedy from La Casa, Inc., who will talk about Domestic Violence Awareness month and inform listeners about the important service La Casa, Inc. provides for our community.

Sally Kosnick with the New Mexico GRADS (Graduation Reality And Dual-Role Skills) Program will share with us information about this program and how its special approach works to improve the lives of teens affected by pregnancy and parenting.

Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com.Visit our website at www.ksnmhealth.com.

~Amanda J. Lopez

2009-09-25T10:02:00.002-06:00

Next Week On The Radio

The September 30th Edition of "Prescription for Health" will feature some inspirational stories about substance abuse recovery. A Las Cruces clinician will share some of the struggles and triumphs she has witnessed by those battling substance abuse.

Our guests also include our regular expert on relationships and communication, Kristin Wallin, with Wallin and Luna Counseling Associates and Jeri Remley with Dona Ana County Action for Youth. Jeri is bringing 2 youth to talk about their experiences in getting involved in the community.

Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com.

Visit our website at www.ksnmhealth.com.

~Amanda J. Lopez

2009-09-11T12:58:00.001-06:00

Next Week On The Radio

The September 16th Edition of "Prescription for Health" will feature our regular fitness expert, Danny Montoya, who offers tips on how you can live a healthier life. Nicky Phillips with the Alzheimer's Association will also be in the studio - she is going to talk to listeners about the local Memory Walk that is taking place September 19th.

Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com.Visit our website at http://www.ksnmhealth.com/.

~Amanda J. Lopez

2009-09-04T11:33:00.002-06:00

Next Week On The Radio

The September 9th Edition of "Prescription for Health" will be a youth themed show, with several youth from around the state participating in a discussion on issues affecting them today. Among the topics will be a information rich conversation on Teen Dating Violence. Anna Nelson, with the NM Department of Health, will address the topic and partner with the youth in discussing the importance of promoting prevention of Teen Dating Violence.

Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com.Visit our website at http://www.ksnmhealth.com/.

~Amanda J. Lopez

2009-08-28T10:49:00.003-06:00

Next Week On The Radio

The September 2nd Edition of "Prescription for Health" will preview September’s Healthy U Magazine. Richard Coltharp, Editor of Health U Magazine, will take listener's through the latest issue. Richard also reviews listener's favorite "FAST FOOD FAST FACTS" section of the magazine, which compares nutritional content of different food choices at selected locations.

Rosa Lopez, a dietician with the NM Department of Health, will address nutritional topics and help listeners make better choices in their daily lives. Rosa always has great tips on how to make local and regional food taste healthier without losing out on the taste. Dr. Raha Mobarak, a local podiatrist and foot/ankle surgeon will be available to answer any of your questions surrounding diabetic foot care, among other topics

Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com.
Visit our website at http://www.ksnmhealth.com/.

~Amanda J. Lopez

2009-08-21T09:22:00.003-06:00

Next Week on the Radio

The August 26th edition of "Prescription for Health" will feature Wallin and Luna Counseling Associates, therapists who specialize in creating more successful relationships. Also featured on the show will be Marcel Nicolitz, with the City of Las Cruces Recreation Program Coordinator. Get information on what The City of Las Cruces provides for our local kids and after-school programs!

Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com. Visit our website at http://www.ksnmhealth.com/.

~Amanda J. Lopez

2009-08-13T08:47:00.001-06:00

Next Week on the Radio

The August 19 edition of Prescription for Health will feature Gil Padilla with the NM Department of Health and Robert Nunez, with the City of Las Cruces. Learn about “Passport To Health”, a local pilot project promoting physical and emotional well-being of our local elementary-age youth. Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com.

~Chris J. Minnick

2009-08-10T10:13:00.002-06:00

"Prescription For Health"

This week’s "Prescription for Health" will feature information and news that will help you make more informed decisions about living healthy. Our regular guest, Danny Montoya, NMSU Natatorium Manager/Triathlete, will inform listeners about the benefits of alternative exercise. Melanie Ikard, with the NM Department of Health, will offer important immunization news for kids heading back to school; schedule, location, what parents need to know.

Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com. Visit our website at http://www.ksnmhealth.com/.

~Amanda J. Lopez

2009-08-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

Department of Health Confirms First H1N1 Influenza Death; 45-Year-Old Female from Sierra County Died

The New Mexico Department of Health announced today that it has confirmed the state’s first death caused by H1N1 influenza. The 45-year-old female from Sierra County had end-stage liver disease and had been hospitalized since July 25. She died over the weekend.

“Our condolences go out to her family and friends,” said Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil, MD. “She was in the high-risk category for developing complications from H1N1, and we are investigating how she may have contracted the virus.”

The Department of Health is planning mass vaccination clinics for H1N1 influenza when vaccine becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects to begin shipping vaccine as early as mid-October. This year, people need to get vaccinated against H1N1 flu and seasonal flu.

“The best step you can take to protect yourself and your family from influenza is to get vaccinated. This is especially important if you are at high risk for developing complications,” Dr. Vigil said. “We are carefully monitoring H1N1 disease in New Mexico and will keep you informed of new developments with the spread of disease, availability of vaccine and health officials’ recommendations.”

CDC’s Advisory Committee recently issued recommendations about priority groups for H1N1 vaccination. The recommendations target people who are the most likely to develop complications from H1N1 flu and or spread the disease to vulnerable individuals. They are:

Pregnant women
People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old
Children and young adults age 6 months through 24 years
Healthcare workers and emergency services personnel
People age 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

~ Chris J. Minnick

2009-08-05T09:20:00.003-06:00

"Prescription For Health"

Today’s Prescription for Health will feature information and news that will help you make more informed decisions about living healthy. Richard Coltharp, editor of Healthy U Magazine will review the August 2009 issue. Doreen Gallegos, Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), will share information about her agency and its benefits to our community, and John Hartoon, with the NM Department of Health will offer important immunization news for kids heading back to school.

Prescription for Health is broadcast every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. on KSNM AM 570. Listeners are encouraged to call in at (575) 527-4570 or email the hosts at Rx@kgrt.com.
Visit our website at http://www.ksnmhealth.com/.

~Amanda

2009-08-04T16:37:00.000-06:00

Got Shots? Protect Tots!

Special immunization clinics will take place August 10 through 22 for children through 18 years old as part of the “Got Shots? Protect Tots!” immunization campaign.

Find a clinc in your area here: http://www.immunizenm.org

~Chris J. Minnick

2009-08-03T08:37:00.000-06:00

Back to School Immunization Clinics Start This Month

The New Mexico Department of Health’s Las Cruces Public Health Office will hold several back to school immunization clinics to help parents get their children ready for the upcoming school year. Immunizations are free and parents should bring a copy of their child’s immunization record.

Back to school immunization clinics will be held at the following locations:

Monday, August 10 at the Cineport 10 movie theater at the Mesilla Valley Mall, 700 South Telshor Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This clinic is only for new students from four through six years old.
Tuesday, August 11 at the Cineport 10 movie theater at the Mesilla Valley Mall, 700 South Telshor Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This clinic is only for new students from four through six years old.
Wednesday, August 12 at the Cineport 10 movie theater at the Mesilla Valley Mall, 700 South Telshor Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This clinic is only for new students from four through six years old.
Thursday, August 13 at the Mayfield High School auxiliary gym, 1955 North Valley Drive, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This clinic is for all students from four through 18 years old.
Friday, August 14 at the Camino Real Middle School gym, 2961 North Roadrunner Parkway, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This clinic is for all students from four through 18 years old.
Monday, August 17 at the Cineport 10 movie theater at the Mesilla Valley Mall, 700 South Telshor Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This clinic is for all students from four through 18 years old.

~ Chris J. Minnick

2009-04-02T09:23:00.000-06:00

Tips for Eating Out

Eating out can be a difficult time to keep to a healthy eating plan. It is hard to know what the food has been cooked with and how much you should eat when the portions are so large. Here are a few quick tips to help you eat less and eat healthy when you dine outside your home.

- Order water, low-fat milk or some other unsweetened beverage
- Only order one meal and split it with a friend
- Start with a small salad to fill you up so you will eat less later
- Ask for salad dressing on the side and dip your fork before each bite
- Choose small or medium sizes for food and drinks
- Put half your meal into a to-go box before you begin to eat
- Ask for whole wheat bread

Remember eating healthy is a lifestyle change and takes thought and practice.
Using these simple tips can help you keep to your goals and maintain your healthy lifestyle.

~ Jonathan Smith

2009-03-24T10:01:00.001-06:00

Bataan Memorial Death March

Why would a weekend warrior like me sign up to do the 26 mile Bataan Memorial Death March for the 6th time in the last 8 years, fighting the heat, wind, foot blisters and knee pain? Actually, for quite a few reasons.

The event is held each March at the White Sands Missile Range in honor of the survivors of the real Bataan Death March where American and other Allied Forces prisoners of war were forced to walk through horrible conditions in the Philippines. Many of these POWs were from New Mexico. There are only a few of the original New Mexico survivors left to attend the event.

More than 5,000 participants, both military and civilians, do the Bataan each year. Hiking the Bataan is a great way to show respect for the World War II survivors and also to support our present day troops who are fighting two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. My father was World War II veteran who spent most of the war on a destroyer in the Pacific. Hiking the Bataan is one way I remember his service and memory.

Finally, training for the Bataan is a great way to motivate yourself to get in better physical shape. I definitely increased my walking over the past two months to get ready. A month ago, I hiked 15 miles of the Sierra Vista trail between El Paso and Las Cruces with a local hiking club. Two weeks ago, I walked 10 miles uphill from my home in Alamogordo to High Rolls, where my wife rescued me in our car. I could also be seen walking the streets in Las Cruces during my lunch hour for the past two months. I’ve hiked several other weekends in Cloudcroft or the White Sands National Monument.

Now only if I can keep some of these good exercise habits up after next Sunday is over.

~ Dr. Eugene Marcinak

2009-03-11T10:58:00.000-06:00

Sun Country Striders

If you want to increase your daily activity with walking but need some help getting started and people to walk with Sun Country Striders, Ltd. may be just what you are looking for. Sun Country Striders are a non profit organization and the local club of the American Volkssport Association. This club sponsors walking events in and around the Las Cruces area which are usually held during April and November each year. There are also year-round events which are open all year and can be enjoyed at your leisure. These year round trails also have hosted walks which you can participate in during January, February, March and June.

Coming up April 18-19, 2009 the Sun Country Striders are hosting a walk at the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park located at 5000 Calle Del Norte in Mesilla. There will be two trials, a 5K and a 10K.

The event opens at 8am and you may start the 10K anytime up to 12 noon and the 5K up to 1pm. This is going to be a fun event so bring the whole family and enjoy some exercise and the new Bosque State Park!

For more information on this event or the Sun Country Striders you can visit their website at http://www.zianet.com/dpiland/SunCountry/, or email Doyle Piland at dpiland@zianet.com.

~ Jonathan Smith

2009-03-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

More Recipes and Name Change

The cooking class Another Day? Another Dinner! has been renamed Healthy Families. For the month of March they are being reduced to one class every Wednesday at 1:15pm. The theme for March is vegetables, specifically orange, yellow and red vegetables. It is important to eat a variety of vegetables and the class stresses eating a rainbow of colors. This is important because the different colors correspond to different vitamins and minerals contained in those food items.

More materials are being incorporated into the curriculum as well. For example participants will be creating a menu for one week that corresponds to the amount of servings mypyramid.gov recommends for them personally. Understanding nutrition labels and materials from WIC’s nutrition education, Fit Kids = Happy Kids will also be covered. The recipe for this month is Oven Roasted Vegetables.

3 cups fresh vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, white potatoes, carrots and bell peppers)
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450º
In a bowl mix oil, rosemary, lemon juice and salt and pepper
Wash, peel and cut vegetables into bite size pieces
Add vegetables to liquid and mix until well coated
Place vegetable on a baking sheet, do not add oil mixture
Bake for 10 minutes and stir vegetables well
Bake for an additional 10-15 min or until vegetables are tender
Cool and serve

~ Jonathon Smith

2009-03-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

More Connections

I’m happy to announce that the Department of Health now has a Facebook page. You can find the page by clicking HERE. If you have a Facebook account I encourage you to link to our page. We’re kind of new at using Facebook to promote our activities and programs, so if you have any suggestions on how we can improve out site please let us know.

~ Chris J. Minnick

2009-02-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Help your teenager win a free concert from American Idol finalist Brooke White!

All you have to do is create a 45- to 60-second video about what you wouldn’t want to miss out on if you came down with the flu. Your video should talk about why flu prevention is important so you don’t miss out on cool stuff like the prom or the big game.

You must submit your video, “I don’t want to miss” PSA by March 11 to win a free acoustic Brooke White concert at your school. Runner-ups will win an autographed guitar and autographed photos from Brooke, former American Idol finalist.

Hurry because PSA entries are due March 11!

To enter the PSA contest, visit http://www.idontwanttomiss.com/.

Here’s a video of one of Brooke’s performances:

~ Chris J. Minnick

2009-02-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

It’s flu season.

I talked to Debby Hanus, the immunization nurse at the Las Cruces Public Health Office, and she said we still have plenty of flu vaccine available. She has both the traditional flu shot and the FluMist. The FluMist is the one that is sprayed in the nose so you don’t have to get a shot if you don’t like needles.

Debby hold s free clinic every Friday afternoon at the Las Cruces Public Health Office, which is located at 1170 North Solano. If you can’t make it to that clinic, give the office a call at 575-528-5001 and someone here will be able to help.

We are hearing of more flu activity every week, so I encourage everyone who still needs to get vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.

~Chris J. Minnick

2009-02-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Another Day, Another Dinner

We had our fourth “Another Day, Another Dinner” cooking class on February 4th. This is the start of the second month and second session of classes. The first session, which went through January, focused on overall healthy living and eating together as a family. This month’s focus is eating grains and getting 60 minutes of physical activity in a day.

The classes are aimed at WIC clients and we have had fairly good participation. Each Wednesday we hold two classes, one in the morning at 9:45 and one in the afternoon at 1:15. The classes are very laid back. We cook and talk and do some quick exercise and eat.

Here’s the recipe for this last week, which was Greek Bulgur and Chicken Salad.

Ingredients:
4 ½ cups water
3 cups uncooked bulgur
1 cup lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
2 ½ cups chopped Rotisserie Chicken
2 ½ cups chopped Cucumber
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup chopped parsley
½ cup chopped red onion
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp black pepper
10 Kalamata olives, pitted chopped

Cooking Instructions:
1. Combine water, bulgur, ¾ c. juice and 1 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium high heat.
2. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
4. Uncover and cool to room temperature.
5. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Allow bulgur to cool, then toss all ingredients to combine.

If you have any question or would like to learn more please contact:

Stella Alba; estella.alba@state.nm.us
Jonathan Smith; jonathan.smith@state.nm.us
Christine Bransford; christine.bransford@state.nm.us

~ Jonathan Smith

Jonathan is a New Mexico State University student intern who works for the New Mexico Department of Health in Las Cruces.

2009-02-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Local Inspirational Story

There is a great story in this month’s Healthy U Magazine that everyone should check out. It’s about L.J. Sciortino, a Las Cruces resident who lost 700 pounds over a 13 year period. It’s an amazing story of his determination and the will to change his life.

Mr. Sciortino will tell more of his story February 11 on the radio show we do every week on KSNM 570 AM. He will be on from 4 to 4:30, so be sure to tune in.

~ Chris J. Minnick

2009-02-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by and welcome to our new blog! We are all hopeful this will be a great way to get more information to the community about making New Mexico a healthier place to live.

We have a great group of staff who will be contributing regularly to the blog. Rosa Lopez, who is a dietitian here, has some great healthy recipes to share and Amanda Lopez, our school mental health advocate, has a lot of great insight on teens and mental health issues. There’s a bunch of great information about programs and stories from our staff and clients that we are excited to share.

I talked to Dr. Maciniak yesterday and he is excited to get your questions. If you have a question for Dr. Marciniak all you need to do it put it in the comments section or you can email it directly to me at christopher.minnick@state.nm.us. Remember, Dr. Marciniak can provide information on general health knowledge, but can’t provide specific information to diagnose or treat illnesses in individuals.

Thanks again for stopping by and be sure to check back often for new postings.

~ Chris J. Minnick