Newsroom

Scheduling a sports physical exam is one of the most important things parents can do to make sure their kids are not only ready for a new school year, but for their wellbeing. Laredo CareClinic is now offering sports physical exams, which are a requirement for student athletes, cheerleaders, band members and students in other organizations. But, having an annual physical is an important part of a child’s health and development, even if your child isn’t involved in a student organization. Annual physical... ... Read More

Laredo Medical Center and its academic partner, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), introduced the fourth cohort of the LMC Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Residency Programs on Wednesday, June 23. A standing-room-only audience was on hand to witness the ceremony, which included hospital board of trustees, administration and staff. Also present were officials from outpatient training partner Gateway Community Health Center, members of the medical community and stakeholders. The fourth coho... ... Read More

A major milestone for the future of healthcare in Laredo was celebrated on Friday, June 18 as the first resident physicians of the Laredo Medical Center Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Residency Programs participated in a commencement ceremony. The ceremony, which was held at the Laredo Country Club, recognized 16 graduating resident physicians, including seven in the Family Medicine program and nine in the Internal Medicine program. Jorge Leal, FACHE, CEO of Laredo Medical Center, expressed his e... ... Read More

By Richard Bang, M.D., family medicine By the age of 80, more than half of all Americans have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract, a clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye, is extremely common, especially in older people. Cataracts greatly affect a person’s vision, making it hard to read, drive a car, or even to see expressions on faces. Though cataracts can damage eyesight, they are also among the most easily treatable conditions with surgery. The lens of the eye is the part thr... ... Read More

Laredo Medical Center is working to make it easier than ever to see a primary care provider. New and existing patients now may request Telehealth ASAP, which allows access to a primary care doctor from the comfort of home – without an appointment. “Easy access to care is important to us,” says Adriana Villarreal, director of practice management at Laredo Medical Center. “For some people, the only thing more convenient than making a virtual visit appointment is having a telehealth visit as soon as possib... ... Read More

In 2021, about 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By the year 2050, it’s estimated that number may be as high as 12.7 million, and anyone with a brain is at potential risk. Between 2020 and 2025, Texas’ population of Alzheimer’s patients is expected to increase from 400,000 to 490,000—a 22.5% increase in just 5 years. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and is a disease that is often misunderstood. The month of June has been designated as Alzheimer’s... ... Read More

Laredo Medical Center recently reached a significant milestone after performing its first orbital atherectomy, an advanced life-saving procedure to clear calcified coronary artery blockages. The procedure was performed on April 12 by Dr. Ricardo J.G. Cigarroa II, who will be the primary physician at LMC to offer this interventional treatment for patients with calcific coronary artery disease. “Laredo Medical Center is at the leading edge of innovative cardiac care, and selected this modern technology ba... ... Read More

Recognize the signs and get help FAST By: Richard Bang, M.D., Family Medicine A severe headache, difficulty seeing, confusion or fumbling to find words. These stroke symptoms are often mistakenly blamed on other illnesses or medications—especially when they occur in people younger than age 65. With that in mind, it’s important to note that stroke can happen at any age. That’s especially concerning given the increasing incidence of stroke in younger adults, according to the American Heart Association. Re... ... Read More

Stay on schedule with a full night of sleep for your best physical and mental health We’ve all experienced the tiredness and lack of clarity that comes from a sleepless night, but a study published last year by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Foundation found that sleep schedule inconsistency is also a risk factor for heart disease. Dr. Carlos M. Llanes, board certified in sleep medicine, is the medical director of the Laredo Medical Center Sleep Center. He is making sure patients know... ... Read More

While Spring brings sunshine, emerging greenery and longer days, many people dread this season for the sinus pressure, headaches, itchy eyes and respiratory problems it brings. More than 50 million people suffer with nasal allergies and half of those also have seasonal pollen allergies, according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), which recently released a listing of the most challenging places in the country to live with allergies. “Nowadays, it is not that simple to pinpoint one p... ... Read More