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Articles by Julie Dreike
Christmas is over, now what? What to do with that Christmas tree
What to do with that Christmas tree: The Solid Waste Management Department, Parks and Recreation, and PNM will recycle real Christmas trees for free at three locations in Albuquerque . No artificial trees will be accepted. PNM Vegetation Management crews and Parks and Recreation staff will grind trees into mulch chips, which can then be used as mulch to provide a better growing environment for plants and residential landscapes. Residents can pick up the mulch free of charge while supplies last.
What makes community work? From education to neighborhood politics
I venture to guess that you have been part of a conversation recently about good and bad things happening in your community. When good things happen, we wonder why, what makes it happen. Some good gets covered by news stories, from lifesaving stories to small acts of kindness. Much of the good happens because individuals decide they want to be involved in an organization, a movement, a cause, or other label that gives them a feeling of contributing.
Holiday traditions are more than just mistletoe and egg nog
Whether based on history or family, there are many traditions we enjoy around the holidays. I remember my mother telling me the Christmas tree story from her childhood. Her parents (my grandparents) would get a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Usually, the last one on the lot because they could not afford to pay full price. Her parents would be up most of the night to decorate the tree while the eight children slept. The tree was delivered by Santa, along with a gift for each child.
Has it reached the stratosphere?
College debt has been in the news recently. The information made me think about the cost of college, return on investment of going to college, paying for college, and what has changed over the years to affect the costs of college.
Paid or unpaid, caregivers serve important role
By Julie Dreike / For the Journal Caregiver: a person who provides direct care to another person. Many times they are unpaid individuals, such as a spouse, partner, family member or friend, involved in assisting others with activities of daily living and or assisting with medical needs. Paid caregivers provide care in a home or care setting. How many caregivers are there in the U.S.?
EV batteries are the horse that moves the cart
There is lots of talk about electric vehicles. Cost to buy an EV, public charging stations, mandates, charging stations at homes including rental properties, what infrastructure is needed, how will roads be paid for if less gas tax is collected, where is the electricity coming from - and those are just a few of the topics. There are several prime questions about electric vehicle batteries. What are EV batteries made of?
Understanding dementia, its risks and ways to reduce them
According to a 2021 AARP survey, "48% of adults believe they will likely have dementia - far more than will actually develop it. According to a 2007 NIA-funded epidemiological estimate, the prevalence of dementia among individuals age 71 and older was 13.9%." We all have personal experiences with dementia. Perhaps a family member has been told they have Alzheimer's disease or related dementia - ADRD. A friend has told you of their experience of providing care to a family member who has dementia.
Research, development, and manufacturing
By Julie Dreike / For the Journal T he most common medications prescribed by doctors in the United States are for the conditions they most often diagnose: high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. How do these prescription drugs and others come to market? The following is a summary of steps for drug development.
What is available for victims of violent crime in New Mexico?
If you or someone close to you have been a victim of a violent crime, you likely are experiencing some emotional and or physical stress, financial difficulties and perhaps challenges you never imagined you would face. You are also trying to navigate a large, complex, and confusing criminal justice system. At the same time, you are working to make incredibly tough decisions about what your life is like now and what you want it to be.
COVID-19 is with us
I have had a couple of neighbors test positive for COVID. All had received the shots and boosters -including the most recent. All are over 65, active and healthy. One couple had a mild case. Another neighbor was not so lucky. With his permission, I am sharing what he told me. "It is very real. I makes you extremely sick. The cough is violent and unstoppable. Fevers go from tropical to arctic. Body aches are dreadful. You have no energy to do the slightest of tasks. Your eyes are red and burning.
Crime prevention in Albuquerque: What you can do
By Julie Dreike / For the Journal Crime Prevention: Crime in Albuquerque, we read about it, hear about it, and experience it. There are some things we can do to increase our safety and lessen the chance of being a victim of crime. Consider what you can do individually, as a group, as a neighborhood and community.
Care for baby's gums even before first teeth appear
Dental care goes hand in hand with overall health care. Brush your teeth at least two times a day. Floss daily. Drink plenty of water. Below is dental care information for stages of life.
Now's the time to plan that fall camping trip -- sustainably
By Julie Dreike / For the Journal As fall approaches, temperatures start to cool, and colors change, consider a camping trip. For New Mexico or a destination farther away, plan ahead. Campgrounds, dispersed camping, trailers, or RVs, the adventure awaits and will be more fun with proper preparation. When enjoying Mother Nature, consider sustainable approaches. Camping gear
Trying not to overheat while keeping energy bill down
By Julie Dreike / For the Journal It's been hot outside. According to Public Service Company of New Mexico - PNM - demand for electricity is highest during the summer cooling season. A typical family that uses cooling can expect to see that higher use reflected in their summer bills. There are ways to help you be energy efficient and save some money. Also, how about some practical ideas to help us be more comfortable in the heat. Summer energy tips
Reverse mortgages can turn out to be an expensive way to borrow
By Julie Dreike / For the Journal You have seen the ads on TV, in print and maybe even direct mail to your home. Know the facts before you act. You may know people who are trying to sort through what happens when the person who lived in the home no longer lives there or dies. Below is general information from the sources identified. It is not legal advice nor regulatory guidance.
What is a Domestic Violence Order of Protection and how to get one
Restraining Orders and Domestic Violence Orders of Protection are different. This is not legal advice. Seek assistance and legal advice based upon your situation. A Domestic Violence Order of Protection is a civil order that may be issued when a person files against a household member and there are acts or threatened acts of abuse. A household member does not have to be living in the same home.
Social Connectedness
With the coverage of the recent heat wave, I was struck by comments of people staying indoors and concerns about isolation. Upon reflection, perhaps it is that we are more aware of isolation because of experiences with COVID isolation. That got me thinking about social connections and why they are important. People are by nature social creatures (as are many animals). According to the CDC, social connections are important for our survival.
be part of it in your neighborhood
According to the National Night Out website: National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out (held the first Tuesday in August, Aug. 1 this year) enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.
Inadequate sleep for children, adults can affect health and behavior
Had a restless night? Feel like you did not get any sleep? Had that reoccurring dream about a test you are not ready for? Or your mind is racing about work, kids, to-do list, or something else keeping you awake at night? According to the National Institute for Health: Sleep is a period of rest that alternates with wakefulness. You have internal body clocks that control when you are awake and when your body is ready for sleep. These clocks have cycles of approximately 24 hours.
Health care and social service jobs expected to grow rapidly in decade
By Julie Dreike According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor information released in September 2022: The U.S. economy is projected to add 8.3 million jobs from 2021 to 2031. Total employment is projected to increase from 158.1 million to 166.5 million and grow 0.5% annually, which is slower than the 1.0% annual growth recorded over the 2011−21 decade.
Pedal Power
Have you seen someone older than you on a bike trail going so fast you wonder how it is possible? Don’t let your ego get bruised. They are probably on an electric bike or e-bike. Be happy e-bikes allow us to enjoy biking for longer distances, practice balance, keep our mind sharp, continue socializing with like-minded people and help to keep us fit and active for more years. What are e-bikes?
Fighting addiction
According to the Cleveland Clinic, addiction is a chronic — lifelong — condition that involves compulsive seeking and taking of a substance or performing of an activity despite negative or harmful consequences. Addiction is a disease. Addiction doesn’t happen from having a lack of willpower or because of making bad decisions. Your brain chemistry changes with addiction.
Have a safer fire season
Last year I wrote about severe or extreme drought conditions and fire danger. The map has changed significantly due to the wet winter and spring rains. That does not mean New Mexico is free of fire dangers. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, above-average rainfall can contribute to an abundance of fine fuel buildup. We have had multiple days of “red-flag warnings,” meaning warm temperatures, very low humidities and strong winds.
It’s Dad’s Day!
In writing an article about Father’s Day, it is fitting to recall a couple of items in the article about Mother’s Day in the Albuquerque Journal on Sunday, May 14. Mother’s Day was officially established in 1914. It had the backing of a large department store, and other retailers quickly followed. Father’s Day had a different path to becoming an official holiday. Father’s Day in the making kAm%96 7:CDE C6A@CE65 u2E96C’D s2J D6CG:46 @44FCC65 :? u2:C>@?E[ (6DE ':C8:?:2[ @?
Be a nurse, and work in a high-demand field
You have seen the help-wanted ads for nurses from many health care settings. You have read the stories about the nursing shortage. Perhaps you or someone you know has spoken with an excellent nurse who would like more people entering the field of nursing to be those co-workers delivering high-quality care. Ask a nurse to tell you a story about a rewarding patient care experience, and they will have several examples. Nurses serve the community. Thinking about a career in nursing?
How to help reduce light pollution and enjoy the night sky
New Mexico has beautiful skies. Vibrant sunrises, colorful sunsets and great views nearly 360 days a year. What can we see at night? The dark-sky movement is a campaign to reduce light pollution, defined as unwanted or excessive artificial light. Astronomers are concerned about the sky glow pollution and their ability to view celestial objects. Light pollution affects humans and the world we live in. There are things we can do to reduce light pollution and promote dark skies.
Happy Mother’s Day! From humble origins to big business, the story behind the holiday
Like many holidays and traditions, Mother’s Day has a long history. Long before the holiday we know today, the ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals in honor of the mother goddess Rhea and Cybele. More closely related to the present-day celebrations is the early Christian festival of “Mothering Sunday.” At one time it was a tradition in the United Kingdom and part of Europe for the faithful to return to their “mother church” for a special service.
What can be recycled, what can't, and should I wash my peanut butter jars?
Albuquerque Solid Waste offers single-stream recycling, meaning all the items the city has identified for recycling can be placed in a single bin. The Solid Waste website, cabq.gov/solidwaste/recycling, has useful information. On the site, click down the list on the left. For example, there is a table in English and in Spanish of what can and what cannot be put in the blue bin. What gets recycled? Solid Waste trucks look the same, so does it all really go to the landfill?
From gorgeous gardens to a fruitful food supply, here’s how it happens and how you can help
We have heard bees are important to our food supply. But how do they do their work? What else plays a part in the process? And can we help? The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is a good source for answers along with local resources. What is pollination? Pollination is the act of transferring pollen grains from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma. The goal of every living organism, including plants, is to create offspring for the next generation.
I want to take the bus!
Public transportation is a critical link to jobs, economic expansion and quality of life in our community – many Albuquerque metro residents know this, and so says the Albuquerque Transit website. But sometimes catching a bus to get to your destination on time can be confusing, even frustrating. Here are some helpful insights from a representative of the city’s Transit Department on changes, plans and how to provide feedback. Schedule changes A driver shortage has resulted in route reductions.
Tips on navigating how to get food assistance or to give help
Food insecurity is defined as the condition of not having access to sufficient food or an adequate quality to meet one’s basic need. According to Feeding America, in New Mexico, one in eight people and one in five children face hunger. But there is help available. Getting food The New Mexico Association of Food Banks is a collaboration of the five New Mexico food banks. Roadrunner Food Bank serves central and southern N.M. You can find others on the association’s website, nmfoodbanks.org.
Summer time, and the youth programs are plenty
The last day of school for most is the last full week of May. For those on an extended calendar, it’s a week later. Now is the time to plan for how youth will spend their summer. Most programs target children ages 5 to 12, though some cover a broader age group. Prices and availability vary; registrations have begun or will begin soon. Albuquerque The city of Albuquerque website, cabq.gov/summer, provides information on events, programs, camps and classes for youth this summer.
Better weather means better outdoor recreation
Spring weather is here, and while there’s still the possibility of a surprise snow and cold temperatures, we are fortunate to have the great outdoors to help us get over our winter cabin fever. Here are some great options for getting back outside. U.S. Forest Service The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands encompass 1.9 million acres.
Tips to do spring cleaning right, inside and out
Call it spring cleaning or the spring to-do list, it is that time of year. This week even kicks off National Spring-Cleaning Week. Whatever you call it, here is help to get your list organized and ideas for getting it done. Take what you want from this article and then hide the rest so someone else in the house does not suggest you do that task. Inside the home • Vacuum upholstered furniture. The added benefit is you may find the lost remote control or loose change.
From anxiety to depression, your emotional, psychological and social well-being can affect your physical health
Twist your ankle and you are likely to tell your friends and family about it. But feel down, depressed or have anxiety and most folks are less likely to talk about it with friends and family. While talking about mental health is becoming more common, we aren’t there yet. People may be concerned about what others may think or not know what help is available. If Olympic athletes, musicians and other famous people can talk about struggles and getting help, we can all do better.
Dreike: How New Mexicans can get relief from damage caused by Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire
A total of $3.95 billion has been allocated for the expected cost of helping victims of the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The U.S. Forest Service has assumed responsibility for the fire, and the federal government will compensate those harmed. The Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is expected to open in late March or early April in Mora and San Miguel counties, along with mobile office services.
Time March-es on
A new month brings a new to-do list and March, with its blustery weather and onset of spring, brings calendar milestones each year. Here is a rundown of just a few: St. Patrick’s Day Irish or not, you likely have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick, who lived during the Fifth Century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at age 16.
Dreike: These water bottles, food wraps, dishcloths let you reuse rather than fill the dump
In 2021, 15.3 billion gallons of bottled water were sold in the United States. Over the last 10 years, the country’s bottled water sales volume had increased considerably with each consecutive year. As bottled water volume sales increased in recent years, so did per capita consumption in the United States. Over the last decade, yearly bottled water consumption grew by almost 40% percent, reaching a total of almost 47 gallons per person in 2021.
True love or commercialism at its peak?
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14 across the United States and many other countries around the world. It is a time for chocolates, flowers, candy, jewelry and other gifts. Love birds spent nearly $24 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2022. But you don’t have to spend big money to celebrate. Here’s what’s known of the history behind the holiday and some ideas of how to celebrate on a budget and still give the message of love. St. Valentine legend The history behind the holiday is a bit of mystery.
Are you ready for Valentine's Day? Here are some affordable ways to celebrate
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14 across the United States and many other countries around the world. It is a time for chocolates, flowers, candy, jewelry and other gifts. Love birds spent nearly $24 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2022. But you don’t have to spend big money to celebrate. Here are some ideas to bring the romance without breaking the bank. • Bake a heart-shaped cake (no need for a special heart pan). Use a square pan and a round pan.
Carbon monoxide can kill in minutes. Here are some ways to keep from falling victim.
Portable generators create a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that can kill in minutes. CO is called the invisible killer because it is colorless and odorless. Exposed persons may become unconscious before experiencing CO-poisoning symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness, and it can lead to death. In the U.S. an average of 85 consumers die each year from CO poisoning from portable generators. Portable generators are fueled using gas, diesel, or propane.
Dizzy about divorce?
No one gets married expecting to get divorced. Sorting through the emotions that accompany the end of a relationship can make a difficult time even more overwhelming, especially if kids are involved. Thankfully there are resources available to help take some confusion out of the process. The State Bar of New Mexico offers monthly workshops and legal clinics to help you learn about the basics and answer common questions.
Associations help build community, keep residential areas up to snuff
Remember the days when it was easy to meet your neighbors? Front porches, everyone collecting their mail and newspaper at the same time, kids going to the same schools? Times have changed. Now we enter homes using garage door openers, have different hours of work and different options for schools. So how do we connect on shared interests and concerns and build a sense of community? Many people have found that neighborhood associations (NAs) can help create an environment to bring residents together.
The history behind MLK Day and where to celebrate it
As we have New Year’s Day in the rear view mirror, celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 16, and have nine more federal holidays to come this year, you may be wondering, just how are federal holidays established and what’s behind MLK Day? How holidays come to be Federal holidays are designated by the U.S. Congress. Non-essential federal government offices are closed and federal employees are paid for the holiday.
Get involved: Let elected officials know where you stand
Your elected representatives impact your daily life. Laws, zoning, school policies, taxes, health care, crime and punishment, driver’s licenses, occupational licenses – the list goes on – are all derived from the people we put in public office. Elected representatives are elected to represent all the people in their designated area. Some elected officials made it a point in their victory speech to make a statement that they represent everyone served by the office.
A new year means a new opportunity to get in better shape
If your resolution for 2023 is to get in better shape, you’re not alone. Fitness consistently ranks as a top New Year’s resolution by Americans. There are many ways to improve fitness levels that don’t involve a gym membership. But for some it’s an easy way to establish accountability. Paying for a gym provides the incentive to use it. For those who will be choosing a gym in 2023, here are some points to consider for success.
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