Understanding Addiction

Every day in millions of homes throughout the country, those who love another addicted to drugs or alcohol asks, “Why are they addicted?” “Why can’t they just stop?” “Don’t they see what it’s doing to them – and to me?” “Why doesn’t treatment work for us?” These are sincere and valid questions about the insidious… Read more »

Avoiding Children’s Exposure to Toxic Plastics

There are no safe plastics. Products made with plastics contain harmful chemicals, and exposure to plastics and their toxic constituents can cause long-term health consequences in developing babies and children. Certain types of plastics, such as BPA, have been banned in bottle nipples because of health concerns associated with BPA toxicity in infants.1 However, when… Read more »

Giving Children in Need a Voice

The Coachella Valley has a tremendous resource available for local children experiencing speech and language challenges. It is the Scottish Rite Childhood Language and Learning Center in Palm Desert. Since its inception in 2004, the center has graduated more than 250 children who receive free one-on-one speech therapy with certified professionals. Many people do not… Read more »

What is Pilates?

The Pilates Method is an approach in mind & body integration that was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. The fundamental principles focus on balance, concentration, control, centered awareness, fluid movements, and breath. Pilates enhances a core strength that increases flexibility, coordination and special awareness. The repertoire is performed as a mat class or… Read more »

For Optimum Results, Have a Plan

When I go to the gym for a workout, I always have a plan or a specific goal for that day. As I wander around during rest periods, I can’t help but notice how most people aimlessly go about their workouts. They jump from machine to machine, not paying attention to whether the machine is… Read more »

Avoid These Common Investor Mistakes

Chasing performance. Investors often move out of sectors that are not performing well, investing that money in high-performing investments. But the market is cyclical; and often those high performers are poised to underperform, while the sectors just sold are ready to outperform. Rather than trying to guess which sector is going to outperform, broadly diversify… Read more »

Keeping Safe from Senior Scams

I recently attended a forum on elder abuse at the Jocelyn Center in Palm Desert and was surprised to learn that scams and cons targeting seniors fall under the category of elder abuse. Geri Crippen Richardson of the county C.A.R.E. Program (Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly) stated that the Coachella Valley has more reports… Read more »

Dog and Man

“Dogs need just you and love, that’s all.” – Jennifer Westfield Two yellow Labradors took our senior neighbor for a walk every morning and evening. We waved and smiled but never met. With sadness I noticed lately, one dog was missing. Surely because of the dog’s age, the owner had to come to the mournful… Read more »

Exercise Your Power

With the exciting CV Link groundbreaking scheduled for next year, it’s time to start thinking about alternative modes of transportation that provide both convenience and fun. How great will it be to jump on your wheeled vehicle in Palm Springs and take the winding path to meet friends for lunch in Palm Desert – without… Read more »

Celebrating the First Annual Desert Health® Wellness Awards

1) The Palm Springs High School string quartet welcomed guests. 2) Guests enjoyed a beautiful dinner on the veranda. 3) Guest speaker Steven Gundry, MD, received an honorary award for his work in integrative medicine. 4) Guests enjoyed sautéed spaghetti squash and ratatouille at one of five dining stations. 5) Executive committee members Donna Sturgeon,… Read more »