Laughter isn’t just a reaction—it’s a remedy. Think of it as internal jogging; a hearty laugh strengthens your core, boosts endorphins (which are 200 times more potent than morphine), and reduces stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. It improves blood flow, enhances immunity and lifts your mood.1 While young children laugh up to 300 times… Read more »
As the pace of life quickens and the noise grows louder, more of us are being called to find something deeper, more grounding, more real. But what is that? For some, that’s prayer. For others, it’s meditation. But what’s the difference between the two? And why do they both matter? As a child I was… Read more »
Remember when carefree summer days were all about living in the moment? No school, no work, no worries. Waking up to sunshine, a smile and the excitement of what the day would bring! Then adulthood set in. We hope our summer edition helps lighten the load and bring you back to those days by adding… Read more »
On a quiet Saturday morning in May, a bomb went off just steps from where I perform surgery every week. It didn’t happen in some distant city. It happened here, at the intersection of Highway 111 and Las Palmas, right across the street from our surgical center. The target was a fertility clinic. One person… Read more »
Ask any parent or teacher what they feel are the most significant influences on the emotional state of their children and students and you’ll probably get various answers. However, most polls and surveys measuring happiness and depression cite social media use as a leading cause of depression, loneliness and isolation. To address this concern, the… Read more »
This September, our community comes together once again to shine the light on environmental issues affecting our valley at the second annual Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit. The solutions-oriented gathering will take place September 11-12 at the Westin Mission Hills Rancho Mirage and is free for all to attend. Presented by the Desert Healthcare District… Read more »
In the past, radiation treatment for breast cancer typically required a long course of daily therapy. Many women developed painful burns and unsightly skin changes toward the end of treatment. Advances in technology over the past 10 years now allow radiation therapy to be given in as little as five treatments to only a small… Read more »
Blue Zones Project Coachella: Meet the Team Coachella is making a tangible move towards a healthier future with Blue Zones Project up and running. This initiative, drawing insights from the blue zones regions of the world whose residents have experienced remarkable healthy longevity, aims to integrate healthier choices into the systems, policies and places that… Read more »
Have you ever wondered why your dentist suggests a crown? Dental crowns are unique restorations that can address multiple issues. They are custom-made caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its function, strength and appearance. Dental crowns are prescribed for various reasons, but most commonly to treat teeth that have been largely compromised due… Read more »
Throughout the years, I’ve encountered many clients who repeat dysfunctional behaviors like they are on autopilot. They rarely question or challenge their choices because people usually do what is familiar. For many of us, the known is preferable to the unknown. We’re more likely to remain in dead-end situations than to deal with change. There… Read more »
In a world that often expects men to be stoic, strong and emotionally contained, the simple act of journaling can be a radical act of self-care and transformation. For generations, men have been taught to suppress their feelings and avoid vulnerability—messages that, over time, can lead to emotional stagnation, disconnection and even mental health challenges.… Read more »
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is most commonly known for its effects on movement (tremors, stiffness, slowed mobility), but for those living with it, the effects often extend far beyond affecting mood, sleep, digestion, cognition and overall vitality. A naturopathic approach to managing the disease symptoms involves digging deeper: identifying underlying contributors, addressing nutrient imbalances and promoting… Read more »
We are all giving birth each moment. We manifest a new idea or inspiration with every breath. There is little we need to do for this creative act to move through us. We merely need to listen more to hear a deeper voice and respond accordingly. The creative act is constantly trying to express itself… Read more »
The largest gathering of naturopathic doctors is coming to the Coachella Valley this July 10-12 as the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) holds their 2025 annual convention in Indian Wells. Although the profession of naturopathic medicine has been around for 150 years and is well integrated on a global scale, the AANP is celebrating… Read more »
I am delighted to be joining Lauren and her team at Desert Health and also getting to know you, our wonderful readers! While the UK is my primary home, my work has brought me to the desert for many years and I have fallen in love with its landscape and tranquillity. But it is you,… Read more »
In a world saturated with complex health solutions, it’s easy to forget that some of the most powerful tools for healing have been within reach all along: the food we eat, the way we move, the quality of our sleep and the presence we bring to each day. This reality is being demonstrated every day… Read more »
Longevity is one of the fastest growing industries globally with theories and recommendations coming at us in warped speed. Peter Diamandis, MD’s Longevity Guidebook is a wild ride through the current science of extending our lifespan. The book opens with the question, “Has the first person who will live to 150 already been born?” and… Read more »
For nearly 40 years, Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert has provided programs and services in support of the health, mobility, independence and social inclusion of special needs kids, also providing assistance in underserved communities in the Coachella Valley. Variety has now expanded these programs and services beyond its Palm Desert headquarters to two additional… Read more »
As an anesthesiologist who has used ketamine in the operating room for years, I’ve watched with great interest—and no small amount of hope—as this powerful medication finds new footing in the world of mental health care. What started as a staple in surgical and emergency settings is now showing real promise as a treatment for… Read more »
In recent years, telehealth, or video and phone doctor visits, has become a significant means for older adults to access health care. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made it easier for seniors to consult with health care providers from the comfort of their homes. While some seniors may be apprehensive about this… Read more »