By Dr. Gerard Muraida Caffeine is considered the most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world. It belongs to a chemical class of stimulants called methylxanthines, which exert stimulatory effects on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida The Covid 19 pandemic has taken its toll on everything from the supply chain to grocery store shelves. Recently, it’s been wreaking havoc on the national blood supply, as our health care system struggles to keep up with daily illnesses compounded...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida In 1984 Glenn Frey, a former member of The Eagles released the song entitled The Heat is On. I doubt he had any notion of global warming or the record- breaking heat wave that would befall our country in the summer of 2021. New Mexico heat can...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen in 1971 released the rock and roll song Hot –rod Lincoln. It speaks of racing and how a father deals with his offspring’s reckless driving. It is a fast paced song that almost puts you in the passenger...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida Your grandmother may have been correct in offering chiles to a sick family member or friend. The remedios of the past have scientific basis for their health claims. Many medical and nutritional journals report various benefits of consuming chile,...
By Diana Weber, M.D., Medical Director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 890 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in New Mexico in 2022 and 330 New Mexicans will die of colorectal cancer this year. The...
By Diana Weber, M.D., Medical Director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico This month we celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is all about hearts. It is fitting that February is also American Heart Month, making this a good time to reflect on how the activities we...
By Wei-Ann Bay, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico As we age, our vision changes. The changes can affect our ability to do daily things like read the newspaper or, more significantly, drive safely. Eye diseases are common and can...
By Wei-Ann Bay, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Obesity is a serious chronic disease, and many have labeled it as an epidemic. The prevalence of obesity has greatly increased since the 1970s. While recent studies show the overall...
By Wei-Ann Bay, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico There is a greater need to pay more attention to mental health and substance use problems among older adults. Problems with alcohol use are not uncommon for older adults and tend to...
