Lifestyle News
New Mexico Department of Health Calls for Participation in Golden Chile Awards Program
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is calling upon all participants of the New Mexico Grown program to apply for the prestigious Golden Chile Awards. The program, which collaborates with local farmers, ranchers, and food businesses, aims to recognize and honor individuals and institutions for their contributions to promoting locally grown food.Secretary Patrick Allen for NMHealth emphasized the significance of the New Mexico Grown program, stating, "New Mexico Grown is an important program that nourishes New Mexico school-age children, older adults,...
Fentanyl Awareness Day highlights overdose prevention
On May 7, 2024, Fentanyl Awareness Day will be observed to shed light on overdose prevention efforts in New Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is urging residents to familiarize themselves with the signs of fentanyl overdose and appropriate responses.NMHealth Secretary, Patrick Allen, emphasized the importance of preventing overdose deaths, stating, "Every individual has the power to stop an overdose death and help begin the cycle that leads toward that recovery."Dr. Miranda Durham, NMHealth’s Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the urgency of the...
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State program uncovers xylazine in fentanyl samples
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 29, 2024
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) has confirmed the presence of xylazine in three fentanyl samples tested through the state’s Adulterant Checking Program.Secretary Patrick Allen of NMHealth emphasized the seriousness of this discovery, stating, “The identification of xylazine puts us on notice that an already dangerous drug supply has gotten that much more deadly.”The Adulterant Checking Program, initiated in November 2023, allows individuals to have substances tested before use as part of the Harm Reduction Program. Joshua Swatek, NMHealth Hepatitis and...
Importance of Vaccination Highlighted During National Infant Immunization Week
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is emphasizing the significance of infant immunizations during National Infant Immunization Week, which runs from April 22 to 29, 2024. Andrea Romero, Immunization Program Manager at NMHealth, stressed the importance of families keeping their children up to date on vaccinations. Romero stated, "NMHealth encourages families to discuss staying up to date on childhood vaccinations with a health professional. Together we can raise awareness and spread the importance of timely immunization. On-schedule vaccinations play a...
April is Alcohol Awareness Month: New Mexico Takes Action to Address Alcohol Misuse
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 22, 2024
SANTA FE — In light of April being national Alcohol Awareness Month, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has approved $2 million to establish the Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention (OAMP) within the New Mexico Department of Health. The OAMP is aimed at mitigating alcohol-related harms through coordinated prevention efforts across state agencies, promoting FDA-approved treatments for alcohol use disorder, and supporting communities in reducing excessive alcohol consumption.NMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen emphasized the importance of addressing alcohol-related issues,...
New Signage to Find Your Way Around Lincoln Historic Site
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Lincoln Historic Site in New Mexico has unveiled nine new building signs in an effort to help visitors navigate the historic town. The signs highlight the buildings and landmarks of the area, known for its rich history dating back to the 1870s and 1880s during the Lincoln County War.“These signs will greatly aid our guests in orienting them through the historic town of Lincoln. We are hopeful that they will encourage guests to learn more about the architectural history of the area and the people who made Lincoln a community,” said Dr. C. L. Kieffer Nail, New Mexico...
Conservation Across Generations: NM Museum Welcomes Ted Turner's Son's Photography Exhibition
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is set to showcase a new traveling exhibition that celebrates the conservation legacy of media mogul Ted Turner through the lens of his son, Rhett Turner. The exhibition, titled "Conserving America’s Wildlands: The Vision of Ted Turner," will open on Saturday, May 11, featuring stunning photography capturing the beauty of America's wild places.NMMNHS Executive Director Dr. Anthony Fiorillo expressed his admiration for Rhett Turner's work, stating, "Rhett Turner’s stunning photography captures some of America’s wildest...
NMHealth recognizes STI Awareness Week and encourages safe sex habits
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
On Apr 17, 2024, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is urging residents to observe Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week and consistently practice safe sex. The initiative, which takes place in the second full week of April (14-20), seeks to increase awareness and diminish the stigma surrounding STI prevention, testing, and treatment.According to Janine Waters, the STD Program Manager, "STIs are very common. There are millions of infections each year in the United States." Waters emphasizes the importance of knowing one's STI status as a vital...
El Palacio Magazine Hosts Reading Panel and Q&A Event
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 16, 2024
El Palacio magazine is set to host a reading panel and Q&A event featuring three contributors to the spring 2024 issue. The event will be moderated by the editor of El Palacio, Emily Withnall.The announcement invites the public to "Please join us for a reading panel and Q&A with three contributors to the spring 2024 issue of El Palacio magazine." The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage with the writers and gain insight into their work.Following the readings, Emily Withnall will facilitate a Q&A session, allowing audience members to ask questions...
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Native Treasures Art Market with Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 11, 2024
Santa Fe, NM – The Native Treasures Art Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous artists. The market will take place over Memorial Day Weekend, from Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Artist Nocona Burgess, reflecting on the growth of the market, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I've been doing NT since the first show and have enjoyed how much it has grown. I feel like I've grown along with the show,...
Have a Wooly Good Time at Bosque Redondo Memorial Fiber Fair
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
The upcoming Fiber Fair at Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site is set to offer visitors a unique and educational experience on Saturday, May 4, 2024. The event will showcase the rich history of New Mexico through various wool-related activities and demonstrations.Aaron Roth, the Bosque Redondo Memorial Site Manager, expressed his excitement for the event, stating, "Let this event be a celebration and appreciation of the centuries-old weaving traditions that have flourished in the beautiful state of New Mexico.”Attendees of all ages will have the...
Two Weeks Left to Make Nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 8, 2024
The New Mexico Arts Commission and the New Mexico Arts Division have announced that nominations are open for the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. The awards, which celebrate the significant role of arts in the economic and cultural lives of New Mexicans, will accept nominations until April 24, 2024."We are incredibly fortunate to live in a state where arts and culture are so deeply embedded in our everyday lives, so much so in fact, that we are at risk of taking them for granted," said Michelle Laflamme-Childs, New Mexico Arts Executive Director.The...
History of History- NM Historic Preservation Division celebrates more than five decades of preservation in May
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 3, 2024
Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division (NMHPD) and historians are gearing up to celebrate National Preservation Month in May, an annual event that highlights the importance of preserving historic places for future generations. State Historic Preservation Officer Jeff Pappas emphasized the significance of this month, stating, "Historic preservation is a year-round effort in New Mexico and across the country, but National Preservation Month reminds us each year that preserving historic properties means preserving the lifeblood of communities across the...
Less stress and a better mood begin with one step
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 3, 2024
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMHealth) Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is highlighting the benefits of walking, even for just 15 minutes a day, to improve health and well-being. According to Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Manager Lindsey Goodhue, “Walking is one of the best ways to manage stress, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and boost your mood.”Goodhue further emphasizes, "Even moderate exercise helps you to manage stress, and benefits your heart, body and mind."Wednesday, April 3 is recognized as National...
Landmark Exhibition "Off-Center: New Mexico Art, 1970-2000" to Open at New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 2, 2024
Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Museum of Art is set to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition, "Off-Center: New Mexico Art, 1970-2000," at the Vladem Contemporary. The showcase, running from June 8, 2024, to May 4, 2025, will take visitors on a journey through the state's artistic evolution over three transformative decades."With more than 125 visionaries contributing to the tapestry of this exhibition, Off-Center weaves together a diverse array of artistic expressions, each reflecting the spirit of its time," shared Christian Waguespack, Head of Curatorial Affairs at NMMOA....
New Mexico Department of Health Celebrates National Public Health Week
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 1, 2024
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is currently observing National Public Health Week from April 1 to 7, acknowledging the vital contributions of its staff statewide. The theme for this year's Public Health Week is Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving.Public Health Division Director, Dr. José Acosta, expressed the department's commitment to making New Mexico the healthiest state in the nation by 2040, stating, "The department is determined to reach our ‘North Star’ goal of making New Mexico the healthiest state in the nation by 2040." He emphasized...
NM Museum of Natural History & Science Earns Reaccreditation from AAM
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) has proudly announced that it has been awarded reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), a prestigious recognition that only a small fraction of museums across the country achieve.In a statement, NMDCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego expressed her excitement, stating, “Visitors to New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science know the museum is one of our state’s crown jewels, and we’re thrilled to see the institution recognized at the national level.”The accreditation from AAM,...
Research Shows Impact of 'Forever Chemicals' Near Holloman Air Force Base
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 22, 2024
Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) Bioscience Curator Dr. Jason Malaney, a key contributor to the research, revealed the startling findings of high levels of chemical contamination in wildlife near Holloman Air Force Base in Southern New Mexico. The study, published in Environmental Research, uncovered dangerously high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals,' including perfluorooctanosulfonic acid and perfluorooctoanoic acid.Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, NMMNHS Executive Director,...
Learning "the way it was" at Coronado Historic Site in Bernalillo
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 22, 2024
Students from Albuquerque’s Native American Community Academy recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history at the Coronado Historic Site and Kuaua Pueblo. According to a statement from the Department of Cultural Affairs, the students engaged in learning "about the old ways of corn grinding on a metate, irrigation of crops, and water management" during their visit.The educational experience allowed the students to gain insights into traditional practices and historical methods of living off the land. By interacting with the Department of Cultural Affairs...
Quick online test determines diabetes risk
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 21, 2024
SANTA FE – Many people have heard of diabetes but may not know their own risk of developing the disease. The New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Diabetes Prevention and Control Program estimates here, in a state of just over two million people, around 255,000 New Mexican adults had diabetes and over 587,000 New Mexican adults had prediabetes in the years 2020 through 2022. Small lifestyle changes can help people delay or avoid diabetes or prediabetes and it begins with knowing your risks. NMDOH joins the American Diabetes Association in recognizing Tuesday, March 26...