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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

Schedule appointments, tests and surgeries to maximize your health plan benefits before year end As the holidays approach, it’s easy to forget to take advantage of your insurance benefits. Now is a good time to review your outstanding health care needs and take full advantage of paid-up deductibles or available funds in Flexible Spending Accounts while you still can. “In considering their health care needs, people should also consider the best strategy for using their available health insurance plan ben... ... Read More

The Catholic Diocese of Laredo will celebrate its 20th annual White Mass in recognition of healthcare professionals and their healing ministries. The Mass will be held at San Agustin Cathedral on Wednesday, October 26, at 6:00 p.m., with a city and county proclamation presentation towards the conclusion of the service. All medical and health care professionals from any denomination, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, EMT, missionaries, healthcare educators and even hospital volunteer... ... Read More

Laredo Medical Center will join the board of directors of Casa de Misericordia, along with the Webb County Domestic Violence Coalition and Mercy Ministries of Laredo, at a press conference and proclamation in recognition of National Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day. Domestic violence is a health care problem of epidemic proportions in Texas and throughout this country. According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, in 2020, law enforcement officers in Texas responded to 218,950 incidents of ... ... Read More

Laredo Medical Center will unveil its 2022 ‘Angel of Hope’ painting during the 13th annual ceremony on Wednesday, October 19, in the foyer of the hospital’s main entrance. Hortencia Peña has been selected as this year’s featured artist. Peña is a local artist and cancer survivor. In what has become a heartfelt tradition, each year Laredo Medical Center invites a local artist to paint their rendition of an ‘Angel of Hope’ to pay tribute to local men and women who are battling cancer, are survivors of can... ... Read More

This flu season is striking wide across the country, creating concern for individuals who are vulnerable to serious complications. As with any illness, it’s important to learn and follow steps that can protect you and your loved ones from contracting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists four important steps to reduce your risk of infection: Wash your hands consistently throughout the day. Hand washing is still one of the most effective and easiest ways to prevent infecti... ... Read More

For over a decade, the A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center at Laredo Medical Center has given hope and life to thousands of patients. Home to advanced technology and some of the most respected oncologists in South Texas, the cancer center offers quality cancer patient care – from detection to treatments – in a one-stop cancer center. Digital Mammography Laredo Medical Center offers 3D mammography exams where breast tomosynthesis technology is utilized to increase the detection of breast cancers, and decrease the... ... Read More

Lumps and bumps don’t always mean cancer By Jacob A. Kallsen, M.D. Family Medicine Breast cancer is a pervasive, highly publicized and very personal disease. Most everyone has a mother, sister, relative or friend who has had a brush with breast cancer – a scare, a survival story, or the memory of a loved one who succumbed to it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, other than skin cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 8 wome... ... Read More