Latest news with #UniversityofNewMexico
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
1 injured after crash on I-25 near Belen
BELEN, N.M. (KRQE) – Both directions on Interstate 25 were closed Saturday around Belen while emergency crews responded to a crash. Investigators said that two vehicles collided head-on in the southbound lane, one of which was a semi-truck. Applications open June 1 for New Mexico's 'Teacher Loan Repayment Program' At least one patient was flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital to treat life-threatening injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Medscape
7 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Juice Cleanses Likely Good for Nothing, Bad for Much
'It's a great way to get those fruits and vegetables into my diet, especially since I can't be bothered peeling or preparing them…' 'I lost weight and felt lighter…' 'I'm helping my body detox, and that's a good feeling.' Social media is rife with statements like the above about juice cleanses. It's a favorite topic as well as something patients often ask about. The perception is that by doing a juice cleanse, they're doing something healthy for themselves — yet experts agree that in most cases, they're not. But if they're having a conversation or asking about it, it offers an opportunity to provide evidence-based guidance. American Gastroenterological Association Spokesperson Fazia Mir, MD, clinical assistant professor at the University of New Mexico and a gastroenterologist with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, both in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said some of her patients ask about juice cleanses because they're interested in doing a liver detox or helping their gut inflammation. 'I tell them that, in fact, it does the opposite,' she told Medscape Medical News . 'The majority of juice cleanses impact gut health negatively. They can cause bowel habit irregularity and even precipitate inflammatory bowel disease, as the gut microbiota is disrupted due to the lack of fiber in these cleanses. And we see patients all the time whose irritable bowel syndrome worsens after they've embarked on a juice cleanse.' What the Evidence Says There's little evidence to support the use of juice cleanses for eliminating toxins from the body, according to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Furthermore, some juices used in 'detoxes' and 'cleanses' haven't been pasteurized or treated in other ways to kill harmful bacteria, meaning they can expose individuals to toxigenic E coli, Salmonella , hepatitis A, and Cryptosporidium . In addition, some juices are made from foods high in oxalate, such as leafy green vegetables and beets. Individuals susceptible to kidney stone formation should limit their consumption of high-oxalate foods, which can present a health threat. In fact, a case report published several years ago documented acute oxalate nephropathy caused by a 'green smoothie cleanse' prepared from juicing oxalate-rich green leafy vegetables and fruits. 'Reality Check' Two recent studies highlight the negative impact of juice cleanses. In a small randomized, three-arm intervention study with 14 healthy participants published online in Nutrients , 'a 3-day exclusive juice cleanse (800-900 kcal/d) led to shifts in the oral and gut microbiome, with increases in taxa linked to inflammation, gut permeability, and even cognitive decline after juice consumption,' said principal author Melinda Ring, MD, executive director, Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University in Chicago. Participants followed one of three diets — juice only, juice plus food, or plant-based food — for 3 days. Microbiota samples (stool, saliva, and inner cheek swabs) were collected at baseline, after a pre-intervention elimination diet, immediately after the juice intervention, and 14 days after the intervention. Gene sequencing was used to analyze microbiota taxonomic composition. The juice-only group showed the most significant increase in bacteria associated with inflammation and gut permeability, as well as associated changes in the saliva and cheek microbiota — particularly in the relative abundances of proinflammatory bacterial families. These changes are potentially due to the high sugar and low fiber intake of the juice-related products, the authors suggested. Ring said the study 'offers a reality check' on juice cleanses. 'Whether a cleanse is 'healthy' depends on the individual and the intent behind it,' she told Medscape Medical News . 'A short, structured cleanse, ideally lasting no more than 1-3 days, can be safe for many people if it focuses on polyphenol-rich, low-sugar vegetables rather than fruit, retains some fiber (as in blended rather than pressed juices), and avoids extreme calorie restriction.' Pediatricians should also be aware that a high-sugar, low-fiber diet may promote the growth of pro-inflammatory taxa, first author Maria Luisa Savo Sardaro, PhD, a professor of food microbiology at San Raffaele University in Rome, Italy, told Medscape Medical News . 'Families often rely on juice boxes in lunch packs, believing they're a healthy substitute for whole fruit, and school cafeterias frequently offer sugary drinks throughout the day,' she said. 'Together, these habits may contribute to an early life increase of inflammation in children.' Change Dietary Guidelines? Although it did not address juice cleanses per se, a new review published online in Nutrition Bulletin specifically compared evidence on whole fruit and 100% fruit juice with regard to nutrient composition, impact on hunger and satiety, and association with chronic health conditions. Lead author Hemangi Mavadiya, a PhD candidate at the Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, said that, like the Nutrients study, the review of 83 studies found juicing does indeed remove much of the dietary fiber that has beneficial effects on the gut. In addition, processing and/or storing 100% fruit juice reduces vitamins and other antioxidant contents and transforms intrinsic sugars in the whole fruit into free sugars, which have little nutritional benefit. Furthermore, fruit consumed in solid form provides greater satiety due to delayed gastric emptying and related physiological reactions, and 'the synergistic effects of polyphenols and fiber in whole fruit benefit the gut microbiome by acting as prebiotics and producing short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation,' the authors wrote. The review also showed that consuming high amounts of fruit juice is associated with increased risks for certain types of cancer, while results were mixed for type 2 diabetes and hypertension. As a result of their findings, the authors recommended that the next version of the next set of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, coming out at the end of 2025, be updated to better reflect the amount of whole fruit and 100% fruit juice adults and children should consume. Current guidelines recommend that at least half of the daily recommended fruit intake of two cups a day should come from whole fruits, potentially allowing the other half to be fulfilled by 100% fruit juice. Tips for Patients What are clinicians telling their patients regarding juice cleanses? 'When used as a bridge to more sustainable, whole-food, high-fiber eating habits, a brief cleanse might serve as a motivational tool,' Ring said. 'However, clinicians should counsel patients that detoxification is a natural, ongoing function of the liver and kidneys, not something that requires commercial juice products.' Patients should also be told that juice cleanses may temporarily disrupt the body's microbial balance, likely due to their high sugar and low fiber content and may not support long-term gut health. 'Cleanses may offer a psychological 'reset,' but without adequate fiber and protein, they could undermine microbial diversity and resilience, especially if repeated or prolonged.' Patients who love juicing can consider blending instead, to keep the fiber intact, or pairing juices with whole foods to balance the impact on the microbiome, she suggested. Mavadiya advises patients read food labels, which can help distinguish between fruit juice and fruit drinks, since the latter 'is loaded with added sugars,' and it's easy to confuse the two. 'Ultimately, the healthiest path forward is not a periodic cleanse, but a consistent, nutrient-dense, fiber-rich diet that supports gut and systemic health over the long term,' Ring concluded. Furthermore, clinicians should assess for underlying conditions such as diabetes, eating disorders, or frailty, which may make juice cleanses inadvisable. No conflicts of interest were declared.

Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florencio Aragon Florencio "Yaz" Aragon passed away
May 24—Florencio Aragon Florencio "Yaz" Aragon passed away peacefully in Albuquerque on April 25, 2025, after a lengthy illness, with his wife holding his hand and his son and daughter by his side. Born on November 9, 1937, in Gallup, New Mexico, Yaz was the son of Florencio Aragon and Maria Petra Flores. A proud graduate of Gallup High School, he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track-but it was the lasting friendships he formed that meant the most to him. After high school, Yaz enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he continued to build lifelong friendships. He later earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico and went on to enjoy a long career at Sandia National Laboratories, retiring in 2003. He continued consulting for an additional 10 years. During his time at Sandia, Yaz often taught classes and mentored students from various schools. Education was a lifelong passion, and he encouraged those around him, young and old, to pursue learning and knowledge. His curiosity never waned. Yaz had a deep appreciation for music, sports, science, and history. Time spent with him was a lesson in life. He was a wealth of knowledge, trivia, and practical advice. He had a quick wit and a love for humor, always ready with a joke or funny story. He especially loved sharing stories and quirky songs with his children and grandchildren-memories that continue to live on in them. Yaz is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carol; his son, Richard C. Aragon and wife Gina; his daughter, Tracy Aragon Green and husband Troy; and his beloved grandchildren: Amanda Aragon, Staff Sergeant Richard M. Aragon, Tate Goldhammer, Tristan Goldhammer, and Tara Goldhammer. He is also survived by his brothers, Phillip Gonzales, Ronald Gonzales, and Larry Gonzales; in-laws Kathy and Michael Dusseau, Patricia and Doug Murphy, Joe Esparza, and Kathy Gonzales; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Pete Aragon, Robert Gonzales, Arthur Gonzales, Buddy Gonzales, Eddie Coriz, and his beloved sister, Betty Esparza. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Risen Savior Catholic Church. Eulogies will begin at 9:15 a.m. and mass at 9:30 a.m. Military Honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Yaz will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Please visit our online guestbook for Yaz at
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UNM student fees will increase for '25-'26 as school looks to bolster athletic funding
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The University of New Mexico (UNM) is looking for ways to bring more funding into their athletic programs, and they're doing it by making students pay more money in student fees to make it happen. 'I think that's pretty ridiculous,' said Marisa Sedillo, a former UNM student who graduated in December. 'I do see the value of school spirit, the school spirit that sports supply,' said Tyler Ackerman, a UNM student. Earlier this week, UNM's athletic director, Fernando Lovo, asked the Board of Regents to increase student fees by $45 each semester for the 2025-2026 school year. That's a total increase of $90 a year. Students install nap pods at the University of New Mexico 'We currently are about $1 million to $1.5 million deficient in our overall operational budgets, which forces us to fundraise for travel, equipment, nutrition,' Lovo said. 'Things that are basic operational needs for our student athletes to compete at the highest level.' Reporter: 'Did you guys even know this was happening?' Student: 'No, I had no idea until now.' The athletic director argued the university needs this money to financially compete with other Mountain West sports programs. 'There's no good solution to this other than giving you some more money so we can take care of those kids,' said one of the regents during their May 20 meeting. 'I know it's not the answer a lot of people like to hear.' However, the state legislature has already increased athletic funding for the upcoming year by $3.2 million, and that's not the only price rise. Regents also approved an additional $60 increase per semester, for a total of $120 for the 2026-2027 school year. As it stands, students already pay more than $100 in student fees that go directly to sports. UNM men's golf prepare for NCAA Championships 'I think any raise in tuition is ridiculous, because I think before UNM can even try to make a case to raise any tuitions, they need to be completely transparent with what they're currently spending their money on,' Sedillo added. 'In the grand scheme of things, with what we're already paying, it's kind of a drop in the bucket,' Ackerman explained. According to the university, the increase will generate more than $1 million for sports for the upcoming school year, and an additional $4 million for 2026-2027. 'It's tough right now, especially in the current funding environment from the federal government, to ask students to pay more, that isn't going to go necessarily to academics,' said Michael Kearney, a UNM student. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jan Mines Jan Mines, age 80, died unexpectedly on Saturday,
May 24—Jan Mines Jan Mines, age 80, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 19, 2025. She was born in Vallejo, California in 1944 to Billie Finnegan and Robert Dority Jr. She grew up along the west coast and eventually settled in Seattle, Washington with her family where she graduated from Roosevelt High School. She attended the University of Washington where she studied languages and became fluent in French. She continued her studies in Lausanne, Switzerland. Upon her return to the United States, she settled in Boston, Massachusetts where she married Paull Mines. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in French from State College at Boston and traveled along the east coast before settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she pursued a PhD in Medical Microbiology at the University of New Mexico until she started her family. Jan taught both middle and high school math and science for over a decade in Albuquerque. She introduced her students to computers and implemented the first MESA program at the middle school level. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Math Education in 1985 and another Master of Arts in Statistics degree in 1991 from the University of New Mexico. With her second Master of Arts degree, Jan left the Albuquerque Public School system and started her second career as a Biostatistician for the University of New Mexico Medical School. She retired from the University of New Mexico Medical School in 2011. Jan was exceptionally kind, intelligent, and talented. She studied ballet throughout her childhood. In addition to her facility with mathematics and science, Jan also had a talent for languages and was fluent in both French and Spanish. She pursued and earned a PADI Open Water Diver certification. She taught herself about plants of the southwest. She enjoyed photography. She sewed her own clothing. She loved mysteries and science fiction. She quilted, and in her retirement, Jan crocheted amazing Afghans that were art pieces of texture and color. Each Thanksgiving, Jan hosted multiple families for Thanksgiving dinner and made sure all felt welcome in her home. Everyone that Jan leaves behind has many memories that highlight her kindness, intelligence, talent, and dedication to family. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Dority Jr; her mother, Billie Dority; and her brother, Tim Dority. She is survived by her brother, Mike Dority; her sister-in-law, Joanna Dekaban; her sister, Robin Dority, multiple cousins; her daughters, Ursula Stauber and Margaret Hornbeck; her sons-in-law, Zachary Stauber and Scott Hornbeck; and her grandchildren, Ermias and Medan Stauber. Jan was a devoted sibling, mother, and grandmother. She will be greatly missed. The family plans on hosting a memorial service at a later date. Please contact them for details. In lieu of flowers, please plant trees in honor of Jan Mines through the Arbor Day Foundation: trees-for-others?producttype=TIM.