A Brave New World

There is a trend in health care of “conventional” medical practitioners and “alternative” care professionals working together. This practice provides the best of both health care worlds in a fully integrated model of medicine that not only addresses the acute disease process and symptom management, but also treats the causes of underlying chronic disease. Integrating… Read more »

An Integrative Approach to Heart Health

Nutritional deficiencies are very common in the general population and may be even more prevalent in people who suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease. Optimal nutrition–including vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, coupled with weight loss, increased exercise, smoking cessation and moderate restriction of alcohol and caffeine–can help prevent and control nutritional deficiencies in… Read more »

Here’s to a Healthier New Year! Tips From the Team at The Eisenhower Wellness Institute

In December, the doctors from the Eisenhower Wellness Institute reviewed some old fashioned advice and the latest research on healthy practices to consider for 2012. Presenters included Medical Director, Patricia Avila, MD, MPH; Integrative Medicine Specialist, Hessam Mahdavi, MD, DC; and Sports Medicine Specialist, Steven Steele, MD. Desert Health® was there taking notes for you…… Read more »

dr mahdavi hessam

Practitioner Profile: Hessam Mahdavi MD, DC

Profession: Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Chiropractic Studied: Saba University School of Medicine; Southern California College of Chiropractic Practicing: Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine at Eisenhower Wellness Institute Originally From: Newport Beach. Has lived in the Desert for 2 years Professional Accreditations: Member American College of Physicians Board Certification, Internal Medicine Certification, Holistic and Integrative Medicine Doctor of… Read more »

Integrated Health Care

Integrated Health Care:

The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine defines this practice as “medicine that confirms the importance of the practitioner/patient relationship; focuses on the whole person; is evidence-based; and uses all appropriate modalities, health care professionals and disciplines to achieve health and healing.” Following this logic, patients win. We receive medical attention that considers… Read more »

Hospitals Embrace American Health Journal’s Discoveries in Alternative Medicine

When Roland Perez decided to produce a segment on alternative medicine to complement his award-winning television show, American Health Journal, he was nervous to tell his many hospital clients. “I saw the growth of science-based complementary medicine and thought it was important to cover that aspect as well,” stated Perez. “I called each hospital personally… Read more »

Facets of Integrative Cancer Care: A Naturopathic Medical Standpoint

What is Integrative Cancer Care? Integrative cancer care uses a comprehensive approach to health, combining conventional and alternative therapies specific to the patient’s needs. Integrative cancer care is NOT about replacing your medical oncologist; it is about creating a diversified team of doctors and health practitioners to formulate your unique treatment plan. An integrative approach… Read more »

Integrative Medical Practices for Reducing Stress: Kindness and Mindfulness

Loving kindness is a precept of yoga that teaches us how to resonate and be compassionate with others.[sup]1,2[/sup] By cultivating loving kindness and resonating with others—including family, friends, strangers, and even adversaries—we begin to see that we are all essentially the same, with the same desires, fears and hopes. Understanding this, we can cope better… Read more »

What is Integrated Health Care?

The Coachella Valley’s health care community is unique in that it is home to internationally-acclaimed medical establishments and world-renowned holistic and alternative healthcare practitioners. When conventional western medicine is practiced in conjunction with alternative modalities it is commonly referred to as integrated health care or “integrative medicine.” A 1998 study showed that more than 40%… Read more »