In a world of instant gratification, I have learned that developing patience can be short-lived and cause you to throw self-discipline out the window. And, yes, sadly, those two ways of being go hand in hand, regardless of the perspective you may hold. Many people are more likely to give up or suppress an emotion… Read more »
May/June 2021
With temperatures rising in the Coachella Valley, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water — at least 60 oz per day — is critical in this regard. But just as important as how much water you drink is the container from which you drink. The convenience of bottled water has helped Americans increase their… Read more »
The art of relaxation comes naturally for some people, while for others, it is hard to turn off the chatter in their minds. You don’t need to sit in a lotus position and meditate; however, this is one way to start the feeling of easing out of fight or flight and into the parasympathetic response… Read more »
Blood sugar testing with a glucometer is a great tool for anyone to assess their body’s unique response to food and lifestyle choices. We normally associate blood sugar testing with diabetes, but this tool can be helpful to support health goals such as improving body composition, making exercise and diet changes, identifying your carbohydrate tolerance,… Read more »
There is a relatively new segment studying human behaviors, happiness and overall well-being referred to as positive psychology. Defined by the Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, it is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. In other words, focusing on the positive side of the human life… Read more »
Drew Ramsey, MD, a psychiatrist in New York who lives on a family farm in Indiana, introduced me to nutritional psychiatry. I did not realize such psychiatrists existed; it turns out they have international meetings. Leading the way is psychiatrist Daniel Amen, MD, who has authored over 30 books and established more than 7,000 clinics.… Read more »
It’s been a very challenging time for our world, especially when it comes to our fitness. Over the past year, individuals and businesses have been trying to adjust to ever-changing CDC recommendations and requirements and attempting to adapt to new and different situations and environments. Many of us have been in lockdown and unable to… Read more »
The importance of fitness training has become wildly accepted in the modern-day sport of golf. In past generations, there was a bit of stigma in the game with lighthearted teasing for “spending too much time in the gym and not enough time playing golf.” All golfers benefit from cross-training, especially seniors who need to maintain… Read more »
Is weight lifting only for the young? Not at all! Even those 50 and older can enjoy weightlifting, especially lifting weights in slow-motion. Slow-motion strength training involves 10 seconds of lifting and a 10-second lowering phase. The exercise’s ultimate goal is to gain momentary muscle failure. Slow-motion strength training is an example of a brief… Read more »
Last fall, Christina Green organized 25 local farmers and artisans to deliver a farmers market for the Desert International Horse Park’s seasonal events. Then COVID restrictions changed, and so did the opportunity. In an effort not to let down her vendors, she reached out to local cities to find an alternate location. The first to… Read more »
Makes: 16 bites • Prep: 10 minutes Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups almond flour (168g) 3 tablespoons coconut flour (22g) 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, creates yellow color) 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 1/4 cup maple syrup Zest of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of lemon juice 1 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 cup coconut butter, softened… Read more »
In keeping with my low-carb meal plan, I’d like to share my version of Shrimp Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry. This meal is easy to make, full of flavor and great texture. In place of animal protein, you can also make this recipe with shitake mushrooms, tofu or just by cutting the additional veggies into larger pieces… Read more »
Since they opened in November, I’ve been eyeing Sweet Basil California Eatery. As you cruise down El Paseo, the brilliant white building with teal blue lettering beckons the casual diner with a cozy welcome as if to say, “Stop in. We’ve been expecting you.” I’ve now returned numerous times. Meeting friends for lunch one day,… Read more »
Marriage is an exciting time in one’s life. Planning for a wedding entails a lot of time and effort, regardless of the size of the celebration. Nowadays, there are many layers to consider when contemplating those nuptials. Where will you live? Do you want kids? Are you marrying into an instant family? Ask yourself if… Read more »
Desert Health contributor Amy Austin, RN, PsyD, LMFT has published a warm and educational children’s book based on real characters from her own life. The book tells the story of Shaina, a striking black poodle, and her best friend Chuckles, a llama. The unlikely pair were actual friends and Shaina, a beloved pet of Dr.… Read more »
As we arrive in the moment and witness what is set before us, we choose how to relate while stepping into empowerment. We inadvertently toggle back and forth between judgments, such as assessing things as good or bad and comparing experiences, people or situations while trying to fix perceived problems. Embedded in our culture and… Read more »
“Dreams tell us many an unpleasant biological truth about ourselves, and only very free minds can thrive on such a diet.” — Sigmund Freud, Dream Psychology Freud viewed dreams as attempts by the unconscious to resolve conflicts through dream-work.1,2 Dreams are often a microcosm of our waking world. Dream-work may prepare us for the future.… Read more »
You become what you think about. Throughout history, philosophers, historians and even poets have written about the power of the mind. Your thoughts become your reality. Norman Vincent Peele said, “Change your thoughts, and you change your life. If you think in negative thoughts, you will get negative results; if you think in positive terms,… Read more »