Dear Dr. Kato: I’ve had several instances where I get a severe vertigo attack that lasts for two hours. It hits me out of the blue, and the vertigo is very debilitating! I notice that before the spinning sensation starts, my ear feels full and rings, and my hearing gets plugged. These attacks have been… Read more »
Preventative Health
You’ve probably heard the many reasons why sleep is so important to your health, but as we enter the New Year, these friendly reminders are worth repeating. Sleep is when the body heals and repairs. Throughout your hectic day, your sympathetic nervous system acts as your accelerator allowing you to handle action and stress. While… Read more »
Your immune system is a complex network of powerful players communicating and working in concert throughout the body to keep you healthy. Supporting the immune system on a variety of fronts will provide you with your best chance for staying flu-free this winter season. Let’s get started… Eat an Immune-Enhancing Diet. Eating a healthy diet… Read more »
Many are surprised to hear that their hearts are the organ most likely to fail them. The reality is, despite all the amazing advances of medicine, the fragility of the human heart remains a key deterrent to human health. Until the last decade, there had been little in the way of preventative screening for the… Read more »
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 it hinders their daily activities.… Read more »
The word connoisseur comes from the 18th Century when the word was used for a person who had a great deal of knowledge about gastronomy, art or any other discipline that pleased the senses. Today, the word connoisseur sometimes comes across with an air of pretension, yet when it comes to our own personal health,… Read more »
Slowing the aging process is not just about maintaining an esthetically youthful appearance, it’s about keeping an active, able, pain-free body with vibrant energy, a keen mind, and zest for life. As our life expectancy continues to increase, Americans want to continue to be actively participating in their lives for as many years as possible.… Read more »
Every woman experiences menopause differently. For some, it passes quickly and the symptoms are mild, while others experience aggressive changes that include hot flashes and mood swings. Weight gain and muscle loss are also common during this transformation. The good news is that exercise–before, during and after–can help stave off many of these effects. Strength… Read more »
There is something special about Palm Desert resident JJ Virgin. She appears to be the girl next door all the boys adored (tall, blonde, athletic build); yet, the inquisitive tomboy who could play and explore with the best of them. In high school, she studied ballet while weight training with the football team. Virgin’s passion,… Read more »
Obesity rates in America are among the highest in the world. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer are household conditions for most. The sedentary, under-slept, over-stressed, ever-indulgent lifestyle has become “The American Way.” And never before have we so needed a new relationship with exercise! Research now offers a new twist on an old favorite causing… Read more »
Many hail genomics, the study of DNA sequencing and genetic mapping, as the medicine of tomorrow; personalized medicine based on an individual’s specific DNA. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are over 2,000 genetic tests available which, more than ever before, can provide you and your health care practitioner with a roadmap for… Read more »
Helen Davis has suffered with arthritis for 20 years. She is on two different medications for two types of arthritis, yet has seen the condition progress. This past January, she had an arthritic flare up that left her totally helpless. Her family feared for her life. “I have always been healthy and active,” she proudly… Read more »
You never want to be caught in a state of dehydration, especially here in the desert. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink water, you are already dehydrated. The dry valley air coupled with our oven-like heat enables dehydration which can sneak up quickly, and because most people don’t drink enough water, the… Read more »
Today many are concerned about high cholesterol numbers. However, cholesterol is necessary for brain function, hormone production, mineral assimilation, bone function, metabolism, energy production and a healthy immune system. It is the building block of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Every cell membrane is made up of cholesterol (and saturated fats) which… Read more »
Everyone is familiar with stress in some shape or form. Most Americans indicate they have experienced moderate to high levels of chronic stress but didn’t know what to do about it. Let’s explore what our bodies do in the face of stress and how we can minimize the harmful effects. Your body has a complex… Read more »
The holidays are behind us and we’ve just turned the corner into the New Year. Now it’s time to get ourselves back on track for more balanced living. But how easy is that in this extremely social valley with galas, fundraisers and a seemingly endless calendar of events? We move from the holiday season into… Read more »
Golf is a billion dollar industry. It is the fastest growing sport with very expensive equipment. The average golfer will practice or play 4 days a week, and spend several hours watching golf shows, videos and reading books to hit the ball a few extra yards. To further enhance their play, golfers spend $1500-$2500 annually… Read more »
My friend Mary was scheduled for surgery to address a chronic condition she has struggled with for years. It caused severe discomfort and Mary was ready for relief. A month before her surgery, she started feeling better, the pain was gone and her range of motion improved. I asked her if she had cancelled the… Read more »
When the topic of genetic testing comes up most people think about determining diseases, paternity or a criminal’s identity. With the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2004, genetic medicine has evolved exponentially. The advances in human genetics allow for preventive health care advice to suit each individual’s unique genetic profile. Patients can now… Read more »
The holidays are here. And what often comes with holiday cheer is not-so-joyful weight gain, fatigue, cold and flu. So how do we enjoy our favorite time of year and avoid the accompanying ails? Watch portion sizes. First of all, we can be conscious of how much we are eating and drinking. Excess sugar in… Read more »
