Many hail genomics, the study of DNA sequencing and genetic mapping, as the medicine of tomorrow; personalized medicine based on an individual’s specific DNA. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are over 2,000 genetic tests available which, more than ever before, can provide you and your health care practitioner with a roadmap for… Read more »
We often meet people who consider themselves ‘conscious eaters,’ but rarely do we meet someone whose passion is converting others. In her own personal effort to address America’s obesity issues, Registered Dietitian Sarah Gaete is teaching the value of nutrition to as many people as she can. She is passionate about getting others to make… Read more »
We are very excited about our new Expert Advice videos launching on DesertHealthNews.com in early July. Our local practitioners are getting in front of the camera to offer advice on a variety of subjects from Traumatic Brain Injury to Acupuncture. Many of us (including me!) were reserved about taking the leap into video…Doctors practice medicine… Read more »
Desert Health® was recently honored with the Clinton Foundation’s Clinton Health Matters Initiative (CHMI) Official Pledge Maker Seal for their efforts to increase the number of doctors and practitioners volunteering at Coachella Valley’s Volunteers in Medicine (CVVIM). The Desert Health® pledge supports the CHMI goal of increasing access to health care for members of our… Read more »
Hemorrhoids: a real pain for approximately 10 million Americans! Though approximately 38% of us have hemorrhoids, only 4% will have symptoms which may include bleeding, protrusion, discomfort and pain. Hemorrhoids are actually tissue rich in blood vessels that, when engorged with blood, act as cushions to help protect the anal canal from injury during a… Read more »
On average, smokers live 14 years less than non-smokers and one in six will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Approximately 70% of smokers say they want to quit, but success rates vary, depending on whether they try quitting on their own or undergo treatment. The long-term success rate of those attempting on their own results… Read more »
Chicken Pox (varicella zoster virus) is a common disease which typically infects children 5 to 10 years of age. The initial infection usually provides a patient with a lifetime of immunity against chickenpox, even with further exposure to the virus. The primary infection persists about 2 weeks and causes eruptions on the face and body… Read more »
When the audience at CVEP’s recent small business gathering were asked, “how many of you can identify stress?” only 5% raised their hand. It quickly became apparent that the first step in managing stress is being able to identify it. “Our cars tell us when the gas is low, but people aren’t born with dashboards,”… Read more »
We often think of hearing loss as a problem related to aging. However, hearing loss affects people of all ages, from birth through adulthood. Hearing loss affects two in every 100 children under the age of 18. If their hearing loss is undetected, there will be delay in initiating proper treatment and intervention. This may… Read more »
Let’s face it. We drink a lot. It’s part of the pleasure – and often the perils – of living in a resort community. The numbers speak for themselves. According to HARC’s 2010 survey, the Coachella Valley has a higher prevalence of people who binge drink than the national benchmark. Surveys show that 21.3 percent… Read more »
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that if not treated can cause blindness. It affects 1 in 200 people under age 50, and 1 in 10 by age 80. Worldwide it is the second leading cause of vision loss behind cataracts. A damaged optic nerve causes an irreversible loss of vision, so detecting… Read more »
A traumatic head injury is any trauma that injures the scalp, skull, or brain. In recent years, awareness of this often debilitating condition has increased significantly, unfortunately due to the large number of incidents with professional athletes and our service members. Injuries can be large or small in size, but often both significant in their… Read more »
Skin cancer can be quite common here in the Coachella Valley. Our beautiful weather also brings with it intense ultraviolet exposure. Cumulative exposure to UV rays is the most significant cause of skin cancer, and our eyelids are no exception. The eyelids are among the thinnest, most delicate tissues of the body and are an… Read more »
Helen Davis has suffered with arthritis for 20 years. She is on two different medications for two types of arthritis, yet has seen the condition progress. This past January, she had an arthritic flare up that left her totally helpless. Her family feared for her life. “I have always been healthy and active,” she proudly… Read more »
We love local! So when our friends at The Body Deli announced that they were launching the Palm Springs Spa Collection, we had to help spread the word. Products like these, inspired by the Palm Springs lifestyle and made with local, organic ingredients like grapefruit and dates, promote the best our Valley has to offer… Read more »
Early in my yoga teaching career a student approached me after class with tears cascading down her face. My natural instinct was concern. She wrapped her arms around me and thanked me for a wonderful experience. With ambiguous feelings and trepidation, she shared her feelings as to why she was crying. We had performed several… Read more »
Each day I look at our beautiful San Jacinto Mountains and feel an emotional response. I feel awe, appreciation, and personal gratitude for my annual honor of climbing to the top of this grand mountain. It is noteworthy that this hike – to the tram from the base of the mountain (near the Palm Springs… Read more »
The painful and irritating condition we commonly call “sciatica” is also known as sciatic neuritis, sciatic neuralgia, or lumbar radiculopathy. It involves one of five spinal nerve roots of the sciatic nerve which is the longest and widest single nerve in the body. It begins in the lumbar spine (lower back) from the spinal nerves… Read more »
Lately I’ve noticed people turning up their nose at organic products and foods. Some seem downright annoyed. I overheard a woman at the drugstore plainly tell the clerk who was attempting to share the benefits of their new organic sunscreen, “I don’t need organic; I’m over it!” I found that incredibly interesting and had to… Read more »
You never want to be caught in a state of dehydration, especially here in the desert. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink water, you are already dehydrated. The dry valley air coupled with our oven-like heat enables dehydration which can sneak up quickly, and because most people don’t drink enough water, the… Read more »