Something strange is happening with my social circle. We finally get the green light to gather, and many don’t want to step outside. Even the most gregarious are experiencing a bit of apprehension at this unleashing we’ve all been anticipating — including me. While excitement to hang out with old friends, support restaurants and return… Read more »
May/June 2021
Frank’s Story
- Editorial by Lauren Del Sarto, founder/publisher of Desert Health
Frank Meadows was a high school track and field star with a promising future. He had a passion for running and dedicated himself to staying in shape. Raised in a military family, he entered the US Naval Academy Preparatory School at 17, looking forward to a naval career. Unfortunately, life had different plans for Meadows.… Read more »
How are you doing? This past year has been such a crazy time, and so many are going through so much. What are you doing to keep that smile? I’m practicing gratitude. And it is just that — a practice. Over the past two years, I beat cancer, lost my father unexpectedly, and most recently… Read more »
Need Help Getting Your Vaccine?
- By Lauren Del Sarto
With information on COVID-19 vaccinations ever-changing, securing an appointment can be challenging for many — especially those with a lack of internet access or technology. Fortunately, there is a new volunteer organization called VAXIE (Vaccinate Inland Empire) working to connect residents with vaccination resources in the Inland Empire. To date, VAXIE has booked over 2,200… Read more »
Students of all ages, and especially those exploring health care careers, are invited to join the OneFuture Behavioral Health A-Team as we celebrate Mental Health Month with a six-part Mental Health Matters virtual webinar series launching May 4 and continuing every Tuesday afternoon through June 8. All sessions will be held at 3 p.m. Each… Read more »
Reconditioning from Lockdown Deconditioning
- By Vince Kambe PT, DPT, OCS
The COVID-19 pandemic has left no one unaffected. As of April 15, 2021, there have been over 31,200,000 cases in the United States1. The good news is many metrics, including the rate of vaccination, are improving in the US1. However, we will feel the lingering effects of the pandemic for a long while. Many who… Read more »
A Conservative Treatment Approach
- By Dennis E. Spurgin, DC
Most people try to avoid surgery or aggressive treatment if possible. Conservative care, which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise therapy, nutritional counseling, chiropractic, talk therapy, home management and over-the-counter medications, offers less invasive options and may be beneficial as a starting point or in conjunction with more aggressive treatment plans. Conservative care… Read more »
Grief is Like Glitter
- By Roger Moore
First, you fall in love. Then you decide to adopt that adorable cat, dog, parrot, rabbit. So you set off together, learning to adapt to each other’s expectations. Life is fun. Life is fuller. Your pet cheers you up in ways you never imagined possible. You catch yourself speaking in funny voices. You both grow… Read more »
Who is Your Health Advocate?
- By Patricia Ryan, RN, MSN, ANP-BC
What is a patient care manager or advocate? Webster’s Dictionary defines advocate as “one who pleads for another’s cause,” and a manager is defined as “to direct or carry on business.” Using these definitions, it is easy to see how a patient advocate/manager would be a great help to individuals needing to navigate our medical… Read more »
Lasers Light the Way in Dentistry
- By Nick Baumann, DDS
Imagine being able to go to the dentist and not having to be numbed up or hear the sound of the drill. This scenario has become a reality with the advancements in dental lasers. Lasers can make many dental procedures much more comfortable and less invasive than traditional methods. There are multiple types of lasers… Read more »
Relieving Stress and Depression Post-COVID
- Contributed by Alzheimers Coachella Valley
Not surprisingly, mental health providers cite a marked increase in clients reporting depression, anxiety and stress during COVID-19. The pandemic has affected many of us in ways we have never experienced before. From being fearful of getting the virus, caring for someone who has COVID or other conditions such as dementia, being isolated at home,… Read more »
Pebbles in Your Stream
- By Shari Jainuddin, NMD, BCB
Now more than ever, people are suffering from anxiety. In a time when our normal routine has been turned upside down and the ways in which we typically process our experiences (community, exercise, being outdoors, etc.) are less accessible, this makes complete sense. Let’s zoom out and discuss the perspective that makes up our experiences… Read more »
HOPE. This word has been in my heart since I heard a song at Sunday school as a young child. Growing up through the years, HOPE was something I said and heard many times, especially when people were sick. Throughout life, HOPE became something I said when I wanted a certain outcome to happen. If… Read more »
Calming Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- By Eric Sickinger, D.O. and Thalie Timsit, BS
As COVID-19 has shifted the world of work and school toward technology, many Americans find themselves on the computer all day and night. Excessive use of the computer mouse and keyboard can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), one of the most common nerve disorders across America affecting approximately 3–6 percent of all adults. Luckily,… Read more »
Spring is often a reminder of the annual cleaning of our homes, but what about our bodies? We accumulate environmental by-products and toxins throughout our lives, and over time, we carry a load of unwanted baggage that may take special attention to eradicate. I’m noticing that most of my patients have toxins hidden away in… Read more »
Peripheral Artery Disease
- By Anna Gasparyan, MD, FACS
Picture yourself driving down the highway on a sunny afternoon, when all of a sudden, a sea of brake lights appears in front of you: a traffic jam! This slowdown is something most of us Southern Californians experience regularly. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is like a traffic jam; however, it takes place in our arteries.… Read more »
The Therapeutic Use of Light
- By Sonja Fung, ND
Light therapy, which is now referred to as photomedicine, has been utilized in ancient civilizations for over 3,000 years. One of the latest advancements is photodynamic therapy (PDT) which combines laser light with a photosensitizing agent (topical, oral or IV drug or supplement) to prepare the treatment area for greater light penetration. It was first… Read more »
If there were ever an event that could throw us completely off track, it’s a pandemic. A once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that we can only hope will soon be over! Thankfully, the COVID vaccine is providing that light at the end of a long and distressing tunnel. We will get through this and enjoy life again. Perhaps… Read more »
Meditation: A Natural Rebalancing
- By Jens Christian Springmann
If we look at the practice of meditation from a distance, we notice that this process of rebalancing our body, mind and spirit is something natural. In fact, it is the most natural process for us human beings to recharge and recover. It takes place every night while we sleep. We rest our mind and… Read more »
Has the stress of the past year left you feeling tight and achy? You’re not alone. For most of us, isolation has meant less movement, more stress, and fewer moments of joy. When heavy energy builds up with no way to release it, pain is often the result. Just as the ancient practice of acupuncture… Read more »