Making new year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but 77% of people who make them, break them within just a few weeks. This year, focus on long-term lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on overall health and longevity. “The start of a new year symbolizes a time for change, but adopting new, healthy habits isn’t limited to just one time of year,” says Yanick Ekortarh, M.D., a primary care physician with Primary Care Associates of Laredo. “Even small, incremental changes in lifestyle can make a... ... Read More

Access to quality medical care continues to thrive in the Laredo-Webb County region, thanks to Laredo Medical Center affiliate Primary Care Associates of Laredo, which hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new medical office of Board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Yanick Ekortarh, on Wednesday, December 14. Hospital leadership and staff were joined by medical staff, the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and other well-wishers to celebrate the grand opening and meet the doctor and... ... Read More

The Laredo Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) is among the 16% of U.S. skilled nursing facilities that have been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2022-23 by U.S. News & World Report. LMC’s SNU earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving a rating of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for short-term rehabilitation. U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’ assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent ... ... Read More

Jesus Romero, a registered nurse at Laredo Medical Center for four years, has received a national 2022 Nursing Excellence Award. Romero is one of 10 national winners selected. Surrounded by his peers, Romero was surprised with the recognition by hospital leadership who presented him with two crystal plaques for the hospital-based and national awards he received, a cash award, and congratulatory remarks from Laredo Medical Center CEO Jorge Leal. “Jesus is an excellent representation of the nurses who are... ... Read More

Millions of Americans struggle with seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), each year. Commonly brought on during the fall and winter, the condition can occur during any seasonal change and last as long as four or five months. People with SAD may feel lethargic or moody and tend to sleep more. Symptoms also can include social withdrawal, trouble concentrating, weight gain, and feelings of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women and those living farther ... ... Read More

Winter holidays, parties and social gatherings often provide opportunities to overindulge, but when it comes to alcohol, moderation is important for maintaining good heart health. “Holiday heart syndrome,” or atrial fibrillation (AFib) brought on by binge drinking, can occur in healthy adults without any existing heart conditions and is commonly diagnosed around the holidays. AFib is an irregular and sometimes rapid heart rhythm that if left untreated can lead to blood clots or strokes. Symptoms of AFib... ... Read More

Is it a cold, flu, sinus infection or COVID-19? When should you call the doctor? The common cold is the number one reason for lost work and school time throughout the industrialized world. The average adult will get two or three colds each year, while children can go through 5 to 10 cycles. The typical cold starts with sore throat and runny nose, followed by sneezing and coughing. Most people will recover fully within a week or ten days. “There are over 200 different viruses that can cause a cold, the m... ... Read More

Obesity is one of the most common diseases in the U.S., affecting more than one-third of adults and causing 300,000 deaths annually. Significant excess weight affects quality of life and overall health, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, sleep apnea and some cancers. For chronic obesity, bariatric surgery provides long-term weight loss while reducing the risk of weight-related conditions and in some cases can eliminate them completely. Each year, more than 250,... ... Read More

Good habits are key to diabetes management By: Yanick Ekortarh, M.D., Family Medicine, Laredo Physician Associates If you have diabetes, you know that it can affect every area of life. People with diabetes must be vigilant about their health, to maintain good quality of life and prevent potential diabetes complications. More than 37.3 million people in the United States have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because diabetes increases the risk of other serious, chron... ... Read More

Strokes, or “brain attacks,” claim the lives of nearly 160,000 Americans each year. As the fifth leading killer and the most common cause of disability, strokes devastate individuals and families every day. However, strokes can be prevented by up to 80% through adopting a healthy lifestyle and controlling stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. According to the National Stroke Association, two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing the risk of... ... Read More