Protecting Our Youth

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 »

Creating Hope and Healthy Options

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 »

Understanding Student Loans

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 »

The Successes of Sages and Seekers

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 »

CV High Honored as one ofAmerica’s Healthiest Schools

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 »

Spreading Kindness Throughout La Quinta High School and Beyond

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 »

Head Injuries in Children

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 »

Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing

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 »

Anxiety and Our Children

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 »

Child looking at computer

Online Learning: The New Educational Medium?

In 2020, not only has technology proven to be a vital resource in business, educational and governmental environments, it continues to serve as another potential replacement to jobs that were once firmly secured by a warm human brain. It was once thought that teachers could never be replaced. From the relationships they develop with their… Read more »