Attending a retreat has always intrigued me. The mystique of their locations in remote jungles or foreign coastal towns was the greatest attraction, as was the thought of escaping to a faraway land alone. But then reality always set in, and the thought of spending time and money in an exotic destination without my significant… Read more »
This summer, five Palm Springs High School (PSHS) students left the desert to compete on the national stage at the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Sports Medicine and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). These passionate students pushed themselves to proudly represent their school. HOSA – Future Health Professionals, previously recognized as Health Occupations Students… Read more »
In July, more than 600 licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs), students and supporters of whole-person care gathered at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells (and virtually) to celebrate the 40th Annual Convention of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). The landmark event, “The Heart of Naturopathic Medicine,” honored four decades of collective work to… Read more »
In the Coachella Valley, an extraordinary transformation has taken root. One that weaves together health and education—nurtured by community support for a rising generation of aspiring scholars. Through a collaboration born of goodwill, lives are being changed. This summer, during the 4th Annual Pulmonary and Critical Care Conference of the Desert, the Desert Institute of… Read more »
Blue Zones Project Palm Springs and Coachella have kicked off a series of interactive community events designed to create a happier, healthier, more vibrant community. Many of these are built around Moais, organized groups launched and run by Blue Zones Project teams that meet regularly around healthy habits such as walking, gardening and nutritious potlucks.… Read more »
What if the greatest achievements in your life weren’t meant to be yours alone? There’s a beautiful concept in Africa, referred to as “Ubuntu.” Nelson Mandela once defined it as, “if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others.” Put simply,… Read more »
Each year, I return to City of Hope in Duarte for my annual follow-up after successfully receiving cryoablation for my early-stage breast cancer in 2019. This year, I was ecstatic to see the many changes incorporated with the completion of The Cherng Family Center for Integrative Oncology. Integrative oncology combines standard medical treatments with more… Read more »
The spotlight will shine on community generosity and world-class entertainment as Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine (CVVIM) hosts its 5th Annual VIMY Awards, presented by Desert Care Network, on Thursday, November 6, at “The Show” at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. This year’s distinguished honoree is Ernesto C. Rosales, a lifelong Coachella Valley resident and respected… Read more »
Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV), a community-based nonprofit that provides free programs and services for individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, will hold its 8th Annual Open House on Wednesday, October 29, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature live music, light fare and tours… Read more »
No demographic has been more affected by the pandemic than today’s children. Social isolation and academic loss, coupled with fear and uncertainty, have all had a lasting effect on the mental wellbeing of this vulnerable group. To stay aligned with the evolving challenges today’s youth face, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has expanded its mission.… Read more »
On a quiet Saturday morning in May, a bomb went off just steps from where I perform surgery every week. It didn’t happen in some distant city. It happened here, at the intersection of Highway 111 and Las Palmas, right across the street from our surgical center. The target was a fertility clinic. One person… Read more »
This September, our community comes together once again to shine the light on environmental issues affecting our valley at the second annual Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit. The solutions-oriented gathering will take place September 11-12 at the Westin Mission Hills Rancho Mirage and is free for all to attend. Presented by the Desert Healthcare District… Read more »
Blue Zones Project Coachella: Meet the Team Coachella is making a tangible move towards a healthier future with Blue Zones Project up and running. This initiative, drawing insights from the blue zones regions of the world whose residents have experienced remarkable healthy longevity, aims to integrate healthier choices into the systems, policies and places that… Read more »
The largest gathering of naturopathic doctors is coming to the Coachella Valley this July 10-12 as the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) holds their 2025 annual convention in Indian Wells. Although the profession of naturopathic medicine has been around for 150 years and is well integrated on a global scale, the AANP is celebrating… Read more »
In a world saturated with complex health solutions, it’s easy to forget that some of the most powerful tools for healing have been within reach all along: the food we eat, the way we move, the quality of our sleep and the presence we bring to each day. This reality is being demonstrated every day… Read more »
For nearly 40 years, Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert has provided programs and services in support of the health, mobility, independence and social inclusion of special needs kids, also providing assistance in underserved communities in the Coachella Valley. Variety has now expanded these programs and services beyond its Palm Desert headquarters to two additional… Read more »
I’ll admit, I’ve been feeling a bit saucy lately; slow on patience and quick to snap. It is usually followed by a pause (and often the recipient’s own snappy response) as I ponder the source of my uncharacteristic reactions. But I don’t think I’m alone. Have you noticed that people appear a bit edgy these… Read more »
If you have been keeping up with the news, then you have heard that there have been over 700 cases of measles across several states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus has been spreading mostly in people who are unvaccinated. How serious is contracting the measles? Two children have… Read more »
Nursing students at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus (CSUSB) are stepping into leadership roles through a new Nursing Peer Mentoring Program designed to inspire and support local high school students interested in pursuing health care careers. The mentorship and career guidance program is part of OneFuture Coachella Valley’s Regional Healthcare Initiative to increase… Read more »
New Gallup data, conducted in collaboration with the Blue Zones Project, offers a snapshot of well-being in Palm Springs and Coachella. This research, done between October and December 2024, examines five key dimensions of well-being: career, community, social, physical and financial health, providing localized intelligence. The data highlights positive mental health scores in Coachella, with… Read more »
