Ikigai Family Physician

01/26/2026

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xdbrfXdR4MEywp5yNm3nf?si=BtqAlbDzRdSD_qCN5kfhmw&t=1279

Life Kit: Health · Episode

01/09/2026

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/new-mexico-bucks-federal-vaccine-recommendations/2956198

New Mexico will continue recommending vaccines for 18 diseases despite federal cuts. Health officials say 'vaccines are safe, effective and save children's lives.'

01/08/2026

I am proud to live in a state that continues to support vaccines that are known to be safe and effective in reducing preventable infections and cancers and continue to be recommended by the and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Thank you New Mexico Department of Health

The New Mexico Department of Health will maintain its full childhood vaccination recommendations despite the HHS decision to reduce the number of vaccines routinely recommended for all children.

All childhood vaccination continue to be covered under the Vaccines for Children Program, Medicaid, and private insurance. There is no anticipated change to vaccine availability in New Mexico.

The department encourages parents and caregivers to discuss vaccination decisions with their health care providers, using the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule as a guide.https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf

New Mexicans seeking vaccinations may call their provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).

01/07/2026

I am board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine. I am encouraged to see the updated dietary recommendations to eat more fruits and vegetables, focus on whole grains, prioritize proteins, healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, avoid alcohol, and avoid ultraprocessed foods and added sugars, as well as non-nutritive sweeteners. I am concerned about the recommendations for full fat dairy products and beef tallow while we are in an obesity epidemic. Humans are the only mammals that continue to consume milk after weaning, and while I highly encourage breastfeeding, and I do personally love cheese, nutritionally, there is no evidence for recommending full fat dairy products. Consumption of beef tallow is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular mortality due to its saturated fatty acid content, so please avoid this. As a take home point - eat real food, especially if it is grown locally.

01/06/2026

One of my patients shared this with me today - I love that more folks across the country are finding joy and value in the doctor-patient relationship again!

What was a niche aspect of medical care just a few years ago has exploded to thousands of practices across the country. In direct primary care, medical provi...

12/31/2025

I believe that optimizing your health is an everchanging journey, and I see my role as a guide and resource through this lifelong process. I bring my expertise in evidence based medicine, training in allopathic medicine, pharmacology, lifestyle medicine, complementary and alternative medicine, public health, anthropology, sociology, health care systems. You bring your own expertise in your lived experience, knowledge of your own body, and your own personal and professional mastery. I prefer to get to know you and your health goals and treatment preferences then work together to create an individualized sustainable health care plan integrating healthy lifestyle and medications and supplements as needed and desired.

12/29/2025

Dr. Riniker is a family physician with over 10 years of experience caring for patients of all ages and backgrounds. She received her BA in cultural anthropology at the University of Texas, followed by her Master of Public Health and Medical Degree at UT Health. She completed her family medicine residency at the University of New Mexico - Santa Fe rural training track. She has worked as a primary care physician treating patients of all ages in rural areas of Washington and New Mexico, and she has spent time in the Middle East, Europe, and Central America. After being a leader in healthcare organizations and the community for over 10 years, she decided to open a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice in order to fill the need she sees in the community for accessible high quality family physicians. Her goal is to build relationships with her patients and use her medical expertise, education, and experience with each individual patient’s goals expertise in their lived experience to help them reach their goals for health and ikigai.

12/13/2025

https://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/navigating-health-insurance-as-patient-mom-daughter-and-physician/article_f8e5e4b6-76ab-4b21-bcd6-66801bd3d5fb.html

It’s open season for insurance hunters, and many of us are struggling to decide which plan to choose for ourselves and our families in this time of uncertainty.

12/09/2025

https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa/appointment/guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr?token=92NLaDsxbdCtjRIrVZtAtvTEIVZ%2BJECfvvL39gHXFvI%3D

12/04/2025

It’s cold and snowy out there! Drive safely!

11/18/2025

Don't forget to sign up for the Family Medicine Winter Refresher on February 21! If you sign up before January 21, you get a discount :)

As the largest medical specialty association in New Mexico for Family Medicine physicians.

10/29/2025

SNAP benefits update for New Mexico:
The federal government has suspended SNAP benefits effective Nov. 1. — affecting 42 million individuals nationwide and approximately 460,000 New Mexicans.

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) is still processing SNAP applications and renewals. Federally funded SNAP benefits will be sent as soon as federal money becomes available. HCA is working with the Governor’s Office, other state agencies, food banks, and partners to make sure families across New Mexico get the support they need during this time.

If you have benefits left on your EBT card from previous months, you can still use them.
➡️ For updates and food resources, visit HCA.NM.GOV/Support.

We’re here to help New Mexicans get the food and support they need. 💙

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Visit this link for a map of local businesses offering free meals for children:

https://www.kob.com/news/top-news/new-mexico-businesses-step-up-to-help-families-amid-snap-benefits-suspension/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=onsite&utm_campaign=recommended&fbclid=IwVERDUANuV_NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHr5xQJCa0jvreQNo5fX7Jw7mfCY-zJvd4eQOU5knEEcmkliynKUx6JBTwFhA_aem_buGelF6yD1NCF7Kefclg3g

New Mexico businesses are stepping up to help as a Nov. 1 halt in SNAP benefits is set to impact around 21% of the state's population.