November/December 2013
InspirationPerimenopause & Bio-Identical Hormones
As young women, we grow up hearing horror stories about “going through the change” when hormone fluctuations create often unbearable symptoms like hot flashes, crazy brain, and mood swings. And we know that when this time comes, we will have to make choices for ourselves. In my early thirties, I learned Read more…
Desert HealthWe Are Blessed
Look where we are…one of the most beautiful places on earth. Our blue skies, stunning mountains, warm winter sun, and brisk morning air make our Valley one of the best places to spend your holidays, or to call home. And it appears that more and more people are calling the Read more…
Medical NewsWhat You Don’t Know About Heartburn CAN Hurt You
By the time the paramedics got to me I thought I was dying of a heart attack, so imagine my relief when I found out it was only heartburn. When the doctor sent me home with a prescription I had not a care in the world; I was confident that Read more…
Medical NewsCHECK, CHANGE, CONTROL
It has been an exciting time to be part of the American Heart Association Coachella Valley team as we continue to ramp up our community health efforts. In October, we launched a free heart-healthy monitoring program for seniors in east Coachella Valley called CHECK, CHANGE, CONTROL. It is a four-month Read more…
Medical NewsAre My Silver Fillings Safe?
In the field of dentistry, there is a movement towards holistic or biological dentistry. The practice is fairly new and many contest its principles; however, the environmental stance is the primary driver: silver amalgam fillings contain mercury, and mercury in our water and food sources can be harmful to our Read more…
Medical NewsBest Vision Ever? At This Age?
There are approximately 2.8 million cataract surgeries performed in the U.S. each year, and it is very likely that one day you will need this surgery to improve your vision. Today a successful surgery is not only improved vision but vision good enough to drive without glasses. This is an Read more…
Medical NewsMedicare and Obamacare
Medicare, the government program that guarantees access to health insurance for Americans 65 or older, has been around for 48 years. Despite nearly a half century of existence, and tremendous popularity, Medicare decisions can be a bit perplexing when you confront them for the first time. The implementation of the Read more…
Medical NewsAdvanced Imaging Shows Great Promise for Detection of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease affects one in eight Americans over the age of 65. Approximately 5.4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and 82 million are expected worldwide by 2050. Unfortunately there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s but researchers are continually working to understand the hallmarks of the disease so that Read more…
Medical NewsGene Therapy May Save Sight
Macular degeneration is the number one cause of permanent vision loss in patients over 55. Now genetic analysis is helping to reduce the risk of vision loss by assisting doctors in identifying the risk of progression and the best treatment for that individual based on their individual DNA. This is Read more…
Medical NewsThere Is a Fungus Among Us!
Nail fungus is not only annoying and embarrassing, but can also be hazardous to the health of your nail long-term. Although many topical ointments claim to cure the condition, because of their inability to penetrate the nail, the standardly prescribed treatment is oral medications. However, a new technology, hot laser Read more…
Medical NewsA Second Act
“Aside from losing my wife, it was the most devastating experience of my life.” Those who suffer a stroke know the incident is always a life-altering experience. For Robert Stack Pierce, the stroke he experienced in 2012 was a defining moment in a life filled with high expectations and much Read more…
Medical NewsPreventing “Baby Bump” Back Pain
Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint among pregnant women. According to the American Pregnancy Association, nearly 50% of all pregnant women will suffer from LBP, either during pregnancy, or during the post-partum period.1 Many women experience LBP with their first pregnancy, and the majority of sufferers state that Read more…
Medical NewsMy Head Is Spinning
Dear Dr. Kato: For the past 3 weeks, I’ve experienced dizziness nearly every morning when I turn over to get out of bed. I feel like I am spinning inside my head, and it is very frightening! If I lie perfectly still, I’m okay. Can you tell me what is Read more…