March/April 2019
Natural OptionsNature, Stress Relief, Trashion and more
What’s new in wellness? Getting off the beaten path, following your nose, wearing conscious clothing, eating exactly what your body needs, choosing your meditation wisely, and getting back to nature as prescribed by your doctor. And in the end, you’ll even have options for dying well. This is according to Read more…
InspirationDealing with a Diagnosis
In January I was told I have breast cancer. The overwhelming news brought tears and the urge to crawl up in a ball and stay there forever. I didn’t want to face what lay ahead – more doctors, more tests, and many life-changing decisions to be made. How could this Read more…
Desert HealthLet’s Talk About It.
With this issue, we learn that Apple’s top trending app category last year was mindfulness/meditation. Why do you think that is? Stress is certainly a major concern and it’s great to see people turning to valuable resources and learning how to cope. We’re taking steps, sharing our stories, consoling family Read more…
Medical NewsWe Say Good-bye to CancerPartners
For fifteen years, CancerPartners (formerly Gilda’s Club Desert Cities) provided support and free services for those affected by cancer, their families and friends. The non-profit played an important role as hospitals and facilities delivered top medical care, but often left clients to figure out the rest on their own. CancerPartners Read more…
Medical NewsShay’s Story: Celebrating the Journey Three Years Later…
On February 11, 2016, I heard the words no one wants to hear: “You have breast cancer.” I can still feel the slew of emotions if I close my eyes and take myself back to that time and place sitting in the doctor’s office, but I don’t close them any Read more…
Medical NewsThe Kinetic Chain and Tennis Injuries
Tennis is one of the most iconic international sports commonly referred to as a lifetime sport, one in which individuals of all ages can compete at all levels. The physical demands of the sport dictate the ability to repetitively exert short bursts of speed, power and explosiveness over the course Read more…
Medical NewsEarly Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinal Changes
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) is a new non-invasive approach to visualizing retinal vasculature and is changing the way physicians see the retinal and choroid (layer below the retina) vasculature. The technology uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina and is similar to ultrasound imaging, except that Read more…
Natural OptionsLove Juice and the Fountain of Youth
There are many luscious and mysterious chemicals that become activated in the body when we fall in love. These chemicals create a magic potion of sorts that bypasses the radar of our rational mind and creates a timeless state of euphoria. When we’re in love, we look brighter, happier and Read more…
Medical NewsMinding Our Internal Control Tower
So, you walk into your doctor’s office to find that it is filled with patients. They’re particularly busy, so you wonder if it’s a common cold or flu going around and whether you’re going to catch it. But the surprising truth is, the majority of patients seen in an outpatient Read more…
Medical NewsIt’s Wise to Evaluate Wisdom Teeth Early
The words ‘wisdom teeth’ make most people cringe as they evoke visions of discomfort and pain. It’s important to know a few things about wisdom teeth that can help you or someone you know avoid the horror stories you often hear. It’s believed that wisdom teeth were much more important Read more…
Medical NewsProstate Cancer Diagnosis: Then and Now
When a suspicion of prostate cancer exists either due to elevated or rising serum PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels, family history of prostate cancer, or abnormal prostate on clinical digital rectal examination, consideration should be given to either confirm a diagnosis or establish that no evidence of prostate cancer is Read more…
Medical NewsWhy Are My Eyes Always Sticky and Watery?
We don’t think about our eyes until they bother us. We count on them every day to function comfortably. But sometimes they are prone to discomfort. Common complaints include tearing, dry eyes, itching, discharge and general irritation. Tearing adversely affects visual function, causing blurry vision and the need to constantly Read more…
Medical NewsPromising New Research for Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes is a huge health concern in our country. More than 29 million Americans have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM); another 86 million adults age 20 and over have pre-diabetes. A smaller, but significant number of Americans – 1.25 million – have Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Although T1DM typically Read more…
Natural OptionsWomen and Work: Creating Balance from the Inside Out
What’s the foundation for a vibrant and inspired life? Balance. A return to homeostasis is the key for optimal functioning. This is no easy task in our busy culture, and especially difficult for working women. In honor of Women’s History Month, I looked at how women and work have evolved Read more…
Natural OptionsIs MTHFR Genetic Testing Necessary for Children?
Personal genetic testing has been available on the direct consumer markets for several years. Companies such as 23andMe and Ancestry.com use a simple cheek swab to collect DNA data. The data can then be instantly uploaded and analyzed by other websites for genetic mutations related to potential health issues. While Read more…
Natural OptionsUsing GABA for Sleep, Anxiety and Weight
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is the main calming neurotransmitter released to keep our brain relaxed and balanced when we need it. GABA controls the actions of the excitatory neurotransmitters, so understandably, a person with low GABA may have anxiety, racing thoughts, insomnia, addictions, or even weight gain. Deficiency of GABA levels Read more…
