Moving Forward

Sunday, March 2, 2014

6:40 PM

The New Year has brought with it gained perspective.  Last year was a whirl wind of actives. Helping AWV , getting married, becoming President of the Board of Directors for CuidandoLos Niños, traveling to Ecuador and last but definitely not least learning about a new addition to our family.

All of these events have taught me a few things. First is love and be loved. I have always looked up to my friends who are married and who seem to still have that special love even after several years. My goal is to maintain that love with my Mountain Man. This year as we add our first addition to our family, I will make sure our priority is growing and loving together.

The second lesson  involves how we view the world.  I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel the world. Each place I visit brings with it beauty and respect for other cultures. Ecuador was no different.  I loved the hill-side homes, splendid views, parks, waterfalls and markets selling various treasures.  I cherished the fact that I could travel with my husband and that he too has that adventurous spirit. While it was wonderful to have this opportunity to explore this year, at the end of the day, the most beautiful sight in the world is the sunset I see every day in New Mexico.

The next lesson is one in responsibility and leadership. One thing I know about myself is I tend to keep a full plate. At times I take on more responsibility than I should.  And sometimes individuals take advantage of my time.  What I learned was if you have an opportunity for growth and a mentor helps by encouraging and fostering that growth  you will not feel as though your time is being taken advantage of. Luckily for me when I accepted the responsibility of Board President I had the support of not only the outgoing President but also our Executive Director. Both are amazing women who inspire and keep me motivated.

Moving on into this new year I have decided to work towards some personal goals. I have always preferred a life of service and ultimately I think a goal of serving my community as a leader is the next step. I was selected for the Emerge Program here in New Mexico  for the 2014 class.  I can't wait to learn and be inspired by other like-minded leaders in my community. And always remember we are all more than Just a Nurse.

To all those who inspire me: thank you from my soul.

Policy and Politics for this Nurse Practitioner

I had an “ah-ha” moment today, here are my thoughts:

I served in the United States Army,  completing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I currently serve my community in various ways, to include Cuidando Los Ninos (CLNKids.org) and American Women Veterans (http://americanwomenveterans.org).  Both are two organizations that I love on a soul level.

I think it is time to serve on another level, to have the positive impact on my community and the nation I am proud to be a citizen of.

That being said I have decided that for my birthday instead of spending money on material objects or things that won’t make me happy, I signed up to take a short 2 day course called “Ready to Run”.  I am not ready to put up signs declaring my candidacy just yet.  But, I have decided to ask for more mentorship from my friends and take an active role in my education of policy and politics.

I know I should outline my own political views but really I am still confused as to what I subscribe to exactly. I don’t think I belong to a specific party. I vote for issues and policies that help the community help themselves and grow. I don’t agree in handouts, but agree that those willing to put effort and work into life should be encouraged and helped.  My hope is that my friends understand and support me in this new journey. (P.S. we are all more than just anything, we are who we are).

Here is more information about the course I am taking: http://shri.unm.edu/readytorun.html

Research shows that women make government more transparent, inclusive and accessible, but too few women serve. In 2012, only 17% of US Congress was female, and women held only 27.7% of state legislative seats in New Mexico.

Ready to Run NM seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in public office in the state. A training program will be held in April 2013 over one-and –a-half days. Through an innovative curriculum that incorporates the political culture of the state, the program will present state and local campaign experts to highlight the specifics of running for public office. The program seeks to demystify the process of running for elected office, encourage more women to mount campaigns, and introduce them to elected and appointed leaders, campaign consultants, and party officials in the state to whom they can turn as they get ready to run.

Ready to Run™ program attendees walk away with...

“How to” instructions on running for office

Fundraising and media skills

Real-world advice and best practices from experts

Strategies for positioning yourself for public leadership

Inspiration to launch a campaign

A better understanding of party politics

Internet strategies for political campaigns

You can make a difference. Attend the Ready to Run New Mexico conference on April 12 and 13, 2013.

Please see details below.

Friday, April 12, 2013

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM - "Miss Representation, " a documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom that premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and aired on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, will be shown at the Student Union Building, Luminaria Room. The film explores how the media's misrepresentation of women has led to the under representation of women in positions of power and influence. The film is sponsored by Political Science Graduate Student Association (GSA).

5:00 PM - Registration opens at the MCM Elegante Hotel, Atrium Room

6:00 PM - Keynote Address and Welcome Dinner.

Former Congresswoman Heather Wilson will deliver the Keynote Address.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Speakers include: State Senator Lisa Torraco; State Representative Jane Powdrell-Culbert; State Representative Georgene Louis; Mary Herrera, Former Secretary of State and many more.

Santa Ana A&B Conference Rooms, Student Union Building, UNM Main Campus

8:00 – 8:30 AM             Registration and Breakfast

8:30 - 9:45 AM             Morning Plenary:

Welcome: Dr. Christine Sierra, Director, Southwest Hispanic Research Institute & Professor of Political Science, UNM

9:45 - 10:00 AM           Break

10:00 – 11:30 AM         Breakout Session 1

Track 1 – (I’m ready) – Panel:

Launching Your Campaign

This session provides an overview of the key elements of a campaign; including assessing and establishing oneself as a candidate, developing a campaign plan, structuring a campaign organization, fundraising, Internet strategies and voter contact.

Track 2 – (I’m not ready yet) – Panel:

Introduction to New Mexico Politics and Public Life

This session, designed for those who are not ready to run, offers an overview of public life, leveraging community leadership for political leadership, types of offices to consider, and balancing competing priorities of a political career and family life.

11:30 – 11:45 PM          Break

11:45 – 2:15 PM           Luncheon Plenary

2:15 – 2:30 PM             Break

2:30 – 4:00 PM             Breakout Session 2

Track 1 – (I’m ready) – Panel:

Delivering Your Message: Platforms, Interviews and Public Relations

This session will provide a more in-depth look at how to clearly deliver your message and your political platform. You will learn both how to formulate your message and how to deliver it effectively to voters.

Track 2 – (I’m not ready yet) – Panel:

Navigating New Mexico Networks: Parties and Organizations

This session will highlight the power dynamics of party organizations, building relationships within parties and interest groups, and gaining party support. Here you will meet with party and interest group representatives and will be given a chance to network with political leaders in New Mexico.

4:15 – 5:30 PM           Closing Plenary: Strategies for Success

March is Allergy and Asthma Month

March is Allergy and Asthma Month

Allergies and Asthma

Here is a recent article I wrote for my new job. Enjoy

The Ides of March are rapidly approaching and with them the dreaded allergy season. Even saying the words make my eyes start to water and images of my sneezing in rapid succession come to mind. Allergies also referred to as seasonal allergies, such as Hay Fever and Allergic Rhinitis occur at certain times of the year. Most are caused by pollens from trees, grasses or weeds. At times mold spores can grow and cause additional problems for those who suffer from allergies. Common allergens in Albuquerque include: Arroyo willow, black willow, box elder and ash-leaf maple, annual ragweed, biennial wormwood, coyote brush and Bermuda grass to name a few. Pollen counts change daily. My go to spot to review the daily pollen count is www.pollenlibrary.com.

Most people breath in allergens and have no problem or minor symptoms but as many as 20% of people in all age groups have allergic rhinitis. Symptoms can range from nasal itching, discharge, sneezing, sore throat, hoarse voice, and itchy red eyes all of which are not conducive to having a great day.

The first thing everyone is cautioned about is to avoid their specific allergen. However, short of wrapping yourself in a bubble, it is difficult to go about your daily life and enjoy the great outdoors and avoid allergens. My suggestion is to do a little detective work. Try to identify what is your specific trigger. Is it the pollens (trees, grass, ragweed, tumbleweed) and insects in your local area (house dust mites, cockroaches, or ladybugs)? Are there animal allergens (skin, fur, feathers, saliva) or even molds in your home you were unaware of?

Your primary care provider will work with you to help identify triggers and can often suggest one or more medications.  These can include nasal glucocorticoid sprays, and antihistamines.  Your provider can also work with you to help find the best treatment, taking into account not only your allergy symptoms and severity, but also keeping in mind any other preexisting conditions you have that may exacerbate your symptoms such as asthma.

If symptoms are severe or persist, patients can be referred to an allergy specialist for further testing to identify the specific agent or agents causing the allergens. Allergy Shots can also be helpful for a certain group of patients. Allergy shots are injections that can make you less likely to have allergy symptoms. They are generally made to order, for each patient’s allergen triggers. They contain tiny amounts of elements that trigger and your allergy(s). Allergy shots are most effective for allergies to:

• Pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses
• Mold spores in the outside air
• Tiny insects found in dust also known as dust mites
• Tiny Flakes also known as dander from the hair, skin or fur from dogs or cats
• And stings from bees; honey , yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and in some cases even fire ants

It is important to know that Allergy Shots are NOT used to treat allergies to Latex, Medications or Food.

For many people Allergies and Asthma go hand in hand. Asthma is a disease that attacks the bronchial tubes. These tubes are responsible for carrying air in and out of the lungs.  Irritants and allergens can trigger these spaces to become inflamed, spasm and produce mucus.  These irritants can cause the airways to be narrowed and result in difficulty moving air in and out and subsequently breathing more difficult. Common symptoms of asthma include:

• Frequent cough, especially at night
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

• Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

While not everyone with asthma has the same symptoms, it is important for patients to know their “triggers” and keep them to a minimum if possible.

Keep in mind early signs of an Asthma Attack:

• Losing your breath easily
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling very tired or weak when exercising, in addition to wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
• Decreases or changes in peak expiratory flow; a measurement of how fast air comes out of the lungs when you exhale forcefully
• Signs of a cold or other upper respiratory infections, or allergies
• Frequent cough, especially at night
• Difficulty sleeping

Mild asthma episodes will usually respond to use of a rescue inhaler. More severe symptoms, or episodes that last longer require immediate help and you should be treated in the nearest urgent care or emergency department. 

I hope everyone goes outside, reads some Shakespeare and enjoys the day.