Newsroom

The midpoint of the year is a good time to review health insurance policies to ensure you will get the most out of plan benefits, especially if you have already met the annual deductible. Many insurance plans will cover most, if not all, costs for eligible medical procedures and treatments once an individual meets the deductible and out of pocket maximum, making the second half of the year an opportune time to schedule any necessary or elective medical procedures that may have been postponed to reduce o... ... Read More

Summer 2024 continues to bring the heat, which can put extra stress on your heart. For every degree body temperature rises, the heart beats approximately 10 beats per minute faster, according to the National Institute of Health. That’s why in hot temperatures it becomes harder for the body to cool off, especially for those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol or atrial fibrillation (AFib). “Our bodies get rid of excess heat through sweat. Hot weather forces the heart to wo... ... Read More

Carlsbad Medical Center and Pecos Valley Physician Group are pleased to welcome Gus Barrazueta, M.D., to Carlsbad. Dr. Barrazueta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who brings over 10 years of experience to the community. He earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Barrazueta completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, and continued his specialty training by completi... ... Read More

CMC encourages Carlsbad to prioritize safety during holiday celebrations As Independence Day approaches, Carlsbad Medical Center emphasizes the importance of fireworks safety to prevent injuries and avoid a trip to the emergency department. While fireworks have been an integral part of Fourth of July festivities since 1777, they come with significant risks and should be handled only by experienced pyrotechnicians. “This 4th of July, let’s leave the fireworks to the professionals,” said Dr. Brian Cashin,... ... Read More

Carlsbad Medical Center and Pecos Valley Physician Group are pleased to announce the return of board-certified OB/Gyn Mario Toledo-Couret, M.D. Dr. Toledo-Couret has over 30 years of women’s health experience. He earned his medical degree at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He also completed an internship at Cuernavaca General Hospital in Morelos, Mexico, as well as an internship at Caguas Regional Hospital in Caguas, Puerto Rico, where he also completed his OB/GYN residency. Dr. Toledo-Cou... ... Read More

Carlsbad Medical Center encourages men get their annual wellness exam added to the calendar Research backs up the long-standing stereotype that men avoid going to the doctor. Recent surveys show that approximately 44 percent of men don’t get an annual physical, and 60 percent of men won’t see a doctor if they suspect something is wrong. “Don’t wait until the ‘check engine’ light flashes to take care of your health. Just like cars, our bodies need routine and preventive maintenance, too” said Dr. Kartike... ... Read More

Gustavo Barrazueta, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon Carlsbad Medical Center No matter where you look, baby boomers (born 1946-1964) are swimming, golfing, practicing Tai Chi, kickboxing, playing pickleball, cycling, power walking and more. A recent report from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons confirms that adults over 50 are much more active today than in previous generations. Unfortunately, as baby boomers age and their lives become busier, the regular exercise of their youth often gives way to a ... ... Read More

Gustavo Barrazueta, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon Carlsbad Medical Center Is anyone you know over the age of 50 completely free from knee pain? It seems everyone suffers from stiff or painful knees at least occasionally, and research indicates that 32.5 million adults are battling osteoarthritis. Until the age of 50, the condition is equally common in men and women, but its prevalence in women increases after 50. As the U.S. population ages and becomes more active later in life, the demand for stronger and hea... ... Read More

Carlsbad Residents Encouraged to Learn the Signs, Seek Help This National Speech-Language-Hearing Month With speech, language, and swallowing disorders common in adults following stroke, head and neck cancer, and a variety of other illnesses and injuries, Carlsbad-based speech-language pathologist Alan Duncan, MS/CCC/SLP, encourages residents to learn the signs—and seek an evaluation—if they have concerns about themselves or a loved one. This is a timely message, as May is recognized as National Speech-... ... Read More

Longer growing seasons and warmer temperatures make more pollen Itchy eyes. Nasal congestion. Sneezing. If these symptoms pop up for you during spring, summer and fall, you’re among the estimated one in four Americans who experience seasonal allergies. Many people believe their allergies are getting worse every year, with more irritation over a longer period of time, and it’s not their imagination. Scientists are seeing higher pollen concentrations and lengthier pollen seasons due to shifts in weather a... ... Read More