Coachella Valley High School (CVHS) is the first school in the valley to provide students with a Zen garden, a place of calm and a respite from daily stresses and distractions. The garden was officially unveiled on Nov. 20 and is an extension of the high school’s wellness center, one of seven in CVUSD. These… Read more »
From the 90s until 2015, I helped families as a therapist, particularly with the problem of overwhelmed and exhausted children. Their kids were involved in every activity: ballet, piano, soccer, swim, and more. At the time, I told them to drop at least one activity, and instead, spend more time together as a family at… Read more »
There has been a shift in symptoms presenting in therapists and family doctors’ offices. Ten years ago, it was rare to come across adolescent clients in counseling centers with active psychosis (other than that produced by methamphetamine, another problem). Now, we get calls about this issue several times per week. In our clinic, we provide… Read more »
Many families in the eastern Coachella Valley, particularly in cities like Mecca and Coachella, face daunting challenges in providing nutritious meals for their children. The rising cost of food has exacerbated these difficulties, leaving many households struggling to afford healthy groceries. This situation is particularly critical in a region where poverty rates are high, and… Read more »
Whether you are entering, enrolled or graduating college, student loans can be overwhelming. While there are numerous options to help ease the burden, research and adhering to terms is of utmost importance. Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form… Read more »
There is no better way to beat the heat then to take a dip. Whether you’re looking to cool off, workout, play hard or simply escape, the desert offers many options for adults, families and kids of all ages to relax and re-energize with crystal blue aquatics. Adult fun. For a memorable day of sun,… Read more »
In December, Valle Del Sol Elementary School in Coachella unveiled a new vending machine operated by coveted golden tokens awarded to children for positive actions and good behavior. Their prize? A chosen book of their very own to bring home and share with family. The book vending machines are the innovation of Global Vending Group… Read more »
California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) Palm Desert Campus is implementing an important class that teaches things not learned in books: intergenerational communication. The national program, called Sages and Seekers, brings seniors (sages) and students (seekers) together for one-on-one interaction, group discussions and collaborative activities in a structured and supportive environment. The eight-week pilot program,… Read more »
Coachella Valley High School (CVHS) recently received the distinct honor as one of America’s Healthiest Schools, a recognition awarded to only 781 schools nationwide for the 2022-2023 academic year. Presented by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the distinction celebrates the key role schools play in advancing the health and well-being of students, staff, families… Read more »
La Quinta High School (LQHS) Medical Health Academy is now giving their students an opportunity to support and encourage one another by becoming LQHS Peer Helpers. The emotional toll from the pandemic has brought to light the importance of self-care and positive coping skills within all age groups. Since then, Stacey Bolanos, a Medical Health… Read more »
Seasoned parents Jesse and Nicole Rodriquez aren’t surprised when their adventurous kids get hurt. When they took their youngest son, 10-year old Samuel, to the doctors to get stitches after an accident, panic set in as the doctors called a medevac to transport him to a highly trained pediatric neurosurgeon, Tanya Minasian, DO, FACS, at… Read more »
United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire (UCPIE) has been creating smiles, freedom and belonging since 2012 with their adaptive bike program and Team Freedom at Tour de Palm Springs. Each bike is custom made to support the rider’s abilities and helps them meet their physical therapy goals. Riders discover a newfound freedom on their… Read more »
Guapo’s Giant Heart is the lovable story of a calf who is adopted into a pet-farm family by caretaker, Lynn Jamerson of Mecca. The true tale illustrates Guapo’s journey as he grows from a cute little calf into an extraordinarily large bovine. Written by Janet Zappala and Wendy Perkins and illustrated by Lara Calleja, the… Read more »
Recently, the Women’s Advisory Institute at Beacon Pointe Advisors hosted an event discussing anxiety among our children and the challenges this past year has presented. As we embark on another school year, we thought it was important to keep the conversation going. Anxiety and mental health issues occur at all ages, whether it’s a… Read more »
Last month, Eisenhower Health welcomed a new addition, the Eisenhower Family Birth Center. The new bundle of joy has been in the works for several years and is the pride of the hospital, which closed its previous birthing center almost two decades ago. The decision to add the department was due in part to the… Read more »
We all know that brushing and flossing are essential to keep our teeth clean and healthy, but some areas are more difficult to reach, particularly the deep grooves of molar teeth. Here, bacteria can hide and cause cavities to form, even if we brush thoroughly. Tooth sealants are a great way to protect our teeth… 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 »
My mother and I could not have been more opposite. She said I came out of the womb with my little fingers daintily pointing into the air. She was one of 11, born to a fruit and vegetable peddler father and a mother who emigrated from Romania and tried her best to manage her brood.… Read more »
I deeply feel for my pregnant patients right now. I really do. What is supposed to be a time of joy, hope, and excitement has, for the most part, become a time of stress, anxiety and uncertainty. An event that usually brings families together has, unfortunately morphed into a solitary journey of isolation. While the… Read more »
As children grow, it’s important to monitor their oral health and development. Preventing many common problems is easier than trying to correct them once they arise. Being aware of how to take care of our children’s teeth and what issues to look for can help immensely in development. We usually start to see the first… Read more »
