UpLifting Wellness: Preventing Measles, Protecting Against Heat-Related Illness and Practicing Self-Care for Optimal Wellness
Our July UpLifting Wellness column covers preventing measles, protecting against heat-related illness and practicing self-care for optimal physical and mental wellness.
by Samantha Anne Carrillo
Measles Diagnosed in Taos County Children
On May 31, the New Mexico Department of Health announced that two children in New Mexico had tested positive for measles. The state health department notes that these measles cases are the first two infections identified in New Mexico since 2021. According to the department, the affected children are both under 10 years of age, live in the same household in Taos County and recently returned from international travel. Measles, a.k.a. rubeola, is a highly contagious virus that can be prevented with timely vaccination.
According to the department, these local measles infections highlight how essential it is for New Mexicans of all ages to check their immunization records to ensure that they and their families are up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. One or more doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for preschool-aged children and adults who are not at high risk. Two MMR vaccine doses are recommended for school-aged children and adults at high risk, including healthcare workers, college students, and international travelers. Vaccines are available without charge for any child in New Mexico, regardless of insurance coverage, under the Vaccines for Children program. Children without insurance can receive the vaccine from their own health care provider or at their local public health office. Learn more at nmhealth.org.
State Health Department Issues Heat-Related Illness Advisory
On June 12—eight days before summer’s official start—the New Mexico Department of Health issued an advisory about the rising prevalence of heat-related illness across the state as temperatures rose above 100 degrees throughout New Mexico. According to Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMHealth, “We continue to see an increase in heat illnesses in New Mexico. Since April 1 there have been at least 224 heat-related visits to emergency departments around New Mexico. Protect yourself and others when it’s hot outside by staying cool, staying hydrated and knowing the symptoms.”
Symptoms of heat-related illness include: cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; fainting (passing out); and heavy sweating. Precautions that everyone—especially people at high risk, such as outdoor workers, young children and infants, adults over 65, people with chronic health conditions or without access to air conditioning—include: staying inside or in shade where possible; keeping shades drawn during the day; drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol; wearing lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing; scheduling outdoor activities for cooler times of day; pacing yourself; never leaving children or pets in the car; having a plan to get somewhere with air conditioning for older adults and people with medical needs; and helping people who have limited capacity understand how to avoid heat-related illness. Learn more at: nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/health/climate/HeatIllness.
Prioritize Self-Care During BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month so UpLift Chronicles reached out to Dr. Ndidiamaka Okpareke, PharmD, RPh, of Olive Tree Compounding Pharmacy (1713 Wellspring Ave. SE, Ste A, Rio Rancho) for tips on how to optimize mental health. According to Okpareke, the best healthy activities to support mental health are exercise and meditation. “Exercise is amazing for the body. It causes the brain to release the body's own natural endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals mitigate stress and improve the sense of well-being.” Okpareke recommends resistance and weight training and meditation to control anxiety and enhance sleep balance.
A poor, unbalanced diet also contributes to mental health challenges. Okpareke said, “Processed and ultra-processed foods lack essential nutrients, and instead are full of chemicals that lead to metabolic disorders at the cellular level, which in turn, make it difficult for the brain and body to function properly.” Okpareke notes that vitamins and minerals can support mental wellness and she recommends pharmaceutical-grade Vitamin D, ashwagandha, Omega-3s, and probiotics. Okpareke says that she begins client evaluations by testing hormone levels for insight into clients’ health: “Many times, clients present with depression, immune dysfunction, and metabolic disorders, which all weigh heavy on their sense of well being and mental health.” Poor quality sleep can also trigger depression, anxiety, uncontrollable emotions, and an inability to make good decisions, according to Okpareke.
Additionally, Okpareke recommends positive lifestyle choices to improve mental health, such as eating nutrient-dense foods, doing weight bearing exercises 3 times per week, sleeping 8 hours per night, taking pharmaceutical-grade vitamins and supplements, balancing hormones as early as age 35, and practicing meditation, breathing, and relaxation techniques every morning. Learn more about Okpareke’s work and Olive Tree Compounding Pharmacy by calling 505-738-3328 or visiting olivetreecompounding.com.