Climb Every Mountain

Women are often guilty of not making time for themselves – especially working women with families and full schedules. But few are busier than Linda Evans who recently added the title of Mayor of La Quinta to her resume. So I was surprised to learn that for the past five years, Linda and a dedicated… Read more »

Fitness Program Design Basics

Many people spend a great deal of time trying to get stronger and shed those extra few pounds only to hit a wall that inhibits their progress and discourages their effort. Many go to the gym 4-5x a week with high expectations of obtaining that beach body. They watch their nutrition, drink ample water, and… Read more »

Five Golds for Palm Springs

The National League of Cities (NCL) has recognized Mayor Steve Pougnet and the City of Palm Springs with a total of five Gold Medals for completion of key health and wellness goals in Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC). The targeted campaign is a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative… Read more »

Celebrating the Day of the Dead with Life!

Día de Muertos (“Day of the Dead”)  is a Mexican holiday observed around the world. The treasured celebration takes place on October 31, November 1 and November 2 and brings together family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have died. Holiday traditions include building private altars (“ofrendas”), honoring the deceased using… Read more »

A Journey to the NFL: Doing It the Right Way

There has been so much news lately regarding professional athletes abusing sports supplements and the legalities of steroid use. Many athletes resort to performance enhancing drugs not only to help put added distance on their drives or to score more touchdowns, but to help prevent or slow down injuries. There is a local athlete who… Read more »

Change It Up!

Did you know that you should change your exercise routine every 14 days? Engaging in a variety of physical activities is important. Your fitness routine should include aerobic, strength-training and stretching, and health benefits are gained by using muscles for extended periods of time. Some options include: 2 and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic… Read more »

You Are Never Too Old

Most older adults fear losing their independence more than they fear death. Those who want to maintain physical and emotional independence must engage in regular exercise, as proper exercise can help older adults prolong their independence. Unfortunately many seniors believe they are too old to start exercising. In fact, we are NEVER TOO OLD to… Read more »

A Lifetime of Dreams Brings Home the Gold

In 2011 after eight years off the ice, professional figure skater and US Open Champion, J. Scott Driscoll walked into the newly opened Desert Ice Castle in Cathedral City and took a deep breath. He could see kids of all ages falling, laughing and attempting the challenging sport that saved his life so many years… Read more »

Get Up and Move, America!

For many Americans sitting is a way of life. 86% of us have desk jobs, and if you add to that the hours spent watching television, reading, playing board games and surfing the internet, it’s no wonder we suffer from back pain, low energy and increased weight gain.  When we sit for long periods of… Read more »

Renew, Restore, Revive

What is your ideal approach to relaxing and unwinding from your day? While each of us may have numerous approaches to relaxing, one technique to winding down is a healthy restorative yoga class.  Allow me to introduce to you true bliss.  Restorative yoga seeks to achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation with the aid of… Read more »

Kinesiotape™: A Cutting Edge Modality for Treating Injuries

If you were watching the 2012 Summer Olympics, you saw many athletes walking around with colorful tape applied to various parts of their bodies. Many were experiencing aches and pains, while others just needed a little protective security for muscular support. This trendy looking modality is called Kinesiotape™. In 1973, Dr. Kenzo Kase, a well-known… Read more »

Managing MS Through Movement

Lynne Risdon of Palm Desert has an energetic spirit and enthusiastic smile. She speaks with determination and grace and appears much younger than her 62 years. You would never know that Lynne has lived with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis for 22 years. She attributes her fit condition to exercise and nutrition and is grateful… Read more »

Advanced Rehabilitation After Back Surgery

When it comes to back surgery, you often hear stories of those who successfully recover and then others who never do. Certainly the type of surgery is a consideration; however, post-surgery rehabilitation is a key factor to regaining maximum potential after any type of back surgery. I’d like to share an inspiring case study. Roberta… Read more »

Take on the Challenge TODAY!

The Coachella Valley Health Collaborative (CVHC) kicks off its 2014 Healthy Lifestyle Challenge March 1 with an upgraded app, and new City vs. City challenges already in place. Groups and individuals are encouraged to sign up at any time! In an effort to increase the ease of use, this year’s challenge will utilize Wellable, a… Read more »

Choosing an Exercise Program for You

It’s that time again! 2014 is ushered in, and all that holiday overindulgence has found a new home around your waistline. Guilt and the typical New Year’s resolutions lead many to sign up at a gym or contact a personal trainer to help them shed those unwanted pounds. Jumping into the latest and greatest usually… Read more »

The Middle Makes a Difference

When you have a headache, having your neck rubbed can help. When your low back hurts, stretching your hips often makes it feel better. But what about the area between your low back and neck? This area is referred to as the thoracic spine and is often overlooked. Yet it’s a critical link between your… Read more »

Preparing for Menopause

Every woman experiences menopause differently. For some, it passes quickly and the symptoms are mild, while others experience aggressive changes that include hot flashes and mood swings. Weight gain and muscle loss are also common during this transformation. The good news is that exercise–before, during and after–can help stave off many of these effects. Strength… Read more »

Who Will Win “Best of the Best”?

While everyone who competed in the Healthy Lifestyle Challenge II (HLSC II) valley-side competition has triumphed, only one will be awarded the “Best of the Best.” Teams were formed, individuals signed up and the challenge began in April. By the end of July, millions of steps had been taken and hundreds of Valley residents were… Read more »

Fitness Q&A

Ask Mike: I am a female athlete who likes to strength train. I work out 5x a week, and my goals are to put on more muscle, cut down on fat, and have more energy throughout the day. I know I need to take supplements to lead a healthy lifestyle and help my muscles recover… Read more »