Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.

The Art and Science of New Mexico

Taos is an art mecca both within the town and at the Taos Pueblo, which is also a must see for those interested in  Native American history and culture. At the pueblo, tribe members display and sell handmade arts and crafts.

updated October 30, 2023

If you like art in any form- paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodcarving- I recommend you plan a trip to northeast New Mexico to visit Santa Fe and Taos .

It’s easier now to visit than it was three years ago due to the strict pandemic protocols in place then. Their COVID-19 response was aggressive but successful in minimizing disease and death.

The Science

the state has been “very proactive at implementing science-based decisions.”

Sara Del Valle, a mathematical and computational epidemiologist at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

New Mexico’s Secretary of Human Services Dr. Scrase said “it’s really exciting to have a governor who values science and evidence.” Reopening decisions did take economic interests into account, he notes, but ultimately, they were driven by data about health and safety. “I’m really proud of that.”

Read more at this Scientific American article

How New Mexico Controlled the Spread of COVID-19

The Art of Santa Fe

You will be able to visit gallery after gallery, shop after shop for days on end, and still not see them all. If you arrive by air your art tour will start right at the airport which is small but sets the tone for what you will see during your stay.

As you step outside the terminal you will be greeted by the bronze statue Reverence by artist David Pearson. As described in an art guide,

“Hers is a pose of prayer, of openness to powers beyond all understanding,.. Her ancient gesture is transformed into one of welcome and benefaction in her perfect placement at the Santa Fe airport. “

statue of a young woman with outstretched arms
the Taos New Mexico airport terminal, an adobe building
statue of young woman

The Art at Taos- City and the Pueblo

Taos is an art mecca both within the town and at the Taos Pueblo, which is also a must-see for those interested in  Native American history and culture. At the pueblo, tribe members display and sell handmade arts and crafts.

sign Welcome to Taos Pueblo
pueblo of adobe in Taos New Mexico

a statue of Jesus Christ in a church
a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus located inside the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
metal bull statue
in Santa Fe
All photos by Dr. Aletha

Exploring the HEART of health and art in New Mexico

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Dr. Aletha
man and woman at dinner
Dr. Aletha and Raymond

Raymond and I found several charming and tasty restaurants in Santa Fe

More from our trip

Discover Madrid, New Mexico: A Ghost Town Adventure

This post describes a visit to Madrid, New Mexico, while attending a unique wilderness medicine conference in Santa Fe. It highlights the area’s artistic vibe, mentioning that the film “Wild Hogs” was shot there. Additionally, it shares an enjoyable sunset horseback riding experience nearby.

Preventing bacterial infections

 

Prevention is a focus in healthcare now  and immunization has  been one of the most effective ways to prevent disease ever developed.

The list of diseases that are “vaccine preventable” is long and continues to grow.

Vaccine recommendations may be based on a person’s

  •  age,
  • gender,
  • ethnicity and
  • concurrent conditions, especially diabetes mellitus, chronic lung diseases, heart disease and  immune suppressing disorders.

Vaccine administration may vary by

  • the number of doses recommended,
  • how far apart the doses should be given, and
  • which vaccines can be administered at the same time.

Immunization protocols have  become so complex that even physicians have difficulty keeping it straight without the use of paper or digital checklists. This is one area where the Internet and EMRs (electronic medical records) can be useful.

Find out what vaccines your child needs for protection against common  infections. 

 

 

Vaccines for infections caused by bacteria

I use the name of the disease and/or the bacteria, rather than the vaccine name, since there are different brand names for the vaccines depending on the manufacturer.

So successful have these vaccines been that most young doctors have never seen a patient with these diseases (unless perhaps they specialize in infectious disease, immunology, emergency medicine or critical care). And even I, who graduated medical school in 1978, have only seen a few, and none in recent years.

Diphtheria-primarily a respiratory tract illness in young persons

Pertussis, better know as whooping cough, also a respiratory illness, which has made a comeback in recent years, apparently due to a waning of immunity

Tetanus, also called “lockjaw”– due to a toxin which may contaminate a dirty wound

Menigococcal disease, which is one of many causes of meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining), but one of the most deadly, even with treatment

Streptococcal pneumoniae disease; the vaccine is often referred to as the “pneumonia vaccine”, but the bacteria can also cause ear infections, sinusitis, meningitis and sepsis (bloodstream infection)

Haemophilus disease is similar to pneumococcal, but more of a concern in infants and children

 

Overview of Viral Diseases

Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, while antiviral medications are limited. Vaccines exist for several viruses and bacteria, including influenza, MMR, and Hepatitis strains. However, diseases like malaria and HPV require additional attention. Many infections lack preventive vaccines, emphasizing the importance of consulting physicians for advice on vaccinations and disease prevention.

Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

 

exploring the HEART of infection control

 

Dr. Aletha