Before delving into the RSV vaccine, let’s clarify what RSV is—and what it isn’t. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus of the upper respiratory tract that causes mild, cold- and flu-like symptoms, such as nasal congestion and a sore throat. It is a hardy, highly contagious pathogen that is spread through the air… Read more »
Many of my patients and friends tell me they feel so isolated from the technological world around them. QR codes and online health appointments seem beyond their capacity. Without a grandchild or a helpful neighbor to explain things, people can feel helpless to maintain their independence and dignity. Practicing mindfulness and seeking ways to better… Read more »
“Wow Rita, you look great! How old are you?” “Sorry, I don’t give my age,” is always my answer. The usual response is, “I don’t understand,” as they tell me how proud I should be. I have to admit there is a little part of my ego that agrees with them, but then again,… Read more »
I am a registered nurse and geriatric care manager. For years, I have encouraged others to make their homes safer, plan ahead and accept support before a crisis. Recently, I climbed a three-step ladder while home alone. I fell backward and landed hard on my back. As I lay there taking inventory of what parts… Read more »
Board and care homes are small, licensed assisted living communities that typically serve a maximum of six residents in a traditional house rather than on a large campus. They provide meals, supervision and personal care in a quieter, more intimate setting. For families unfamiliar with this model, the key distinction is scale: Caregivers are always… Read more »
Summer in the Coachella Valley presents unique wellness challenges beyond high temperatures. As the frequency of outdoor activities declines, many full-time residents—particularly older adults, caregivers and individuals living alone—experience increased isolation due to fewer opportunities for meaningful social connection. Public health organizations increasingly recognize social isolation and loneliness as significant health concerns. According to the… Read more »
Before you know it, fall will be here and with it, the inevitable start of flu season. But year-round, teams are collecting and studying influenza samples in over 129 countries around the globe. The most dangerous and contagious viral strains are then identified and incorporated into the United States flu vaccine formulation to help recipients… Read more »
Sarah, 78, a retired sociology professor who was married for 42 years, became a widow a year ago when her husband, Jim, unexpectedly passed away. Their son lives far away and often travels for work. Sarah, who is shy and prefers to be alone, now finds herself struggling with her grief and is overwhelmed with… Read more »
Summer often brings more family visits, vacations, weddings, lunches and gatherings, and with them, a renewed awareness that an aging parent may need a few new outfits or seasonal clothing updates. As a geriatric care manager, I frequently hear versions of the same concern from families: “Mom needs clothes, but every time we buy something,… Read more »
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are moments to celebrate the people who raised us, guided us, and, in many ways, still anchor our lives. They are filled with flowers, shared meals and memories. Yet beneath the surface, they also carry a quieter message, one we don’t often say out loud. They remind us that time… Read more »
In today’s fast-paced world, family caregiving has emerged as both a profound act of love and a challenge. While it can be emotionally and physically draining, millions of people across the country provide care for aging parents, sick spouses or children with special needs. Balancing medical appointments, daily care and emotional support for a loved… Read more »
Susan is a 71-year-old retired teacher who walks every morning, eats a healthy diet and is socially active. Lately, she’s noticed some unsettling changes. She forgets names more often, loses her train of thought mid-sentence, and misplaces her keys most days. She laughs it off as “just part of getting older,” but the truth is… Read more »
Nestled in the heart of Palm Springs, Mizell Center has become a cornerstone of healthy aging, connection and nutritional empowerment for older adults in the wider community. For more than five decades, Mizell has cultivated a mission, not just of sustenance, but of belonging, vitality and well-being. At its core, Mizell understands that sound nutrition… Read more »
Desert Health Publisher Lauren Del Sarto recently shared the unimaginable experience of a family unprepared to handle the passing of a loved one at home. She asked that we provide guidance to readers on end-of-life resources, a topic that is understandably rarely discussed. When a patient is admitted to hospice, families are asked to complete… Read more »
As a physician and health coach, I regularly educate patients and clients on how the simplest habits often create the biggest changes in health. Walking is one of those habits. It’s accessible, sustainable and scientifically backed. High-quality research from the past few years proves that walking is a powerful intervention for metabolic health, fat loss,… Read more »
Remember puberty and getting your first zit? The horror of it all. Your sweet baby skin was suddenly gone, a casualty of hormones you didn’t ask for. But you adapted. You learned how to care for your skin, and most of us eventually landed on routines that worked. Then, one day—sometime during the long journey… Read more »
As I witness my patients in the last decades of life, I observe that weakening immunity is a major factor for health decline in advanced age seniors. How do we maintain a healthy immune system? In addition to a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and a diverse gut microbiome, exposure to viruses and vaccines is… Read more »
Climate change is more than an environmental concern; it’s a public health challenge that affects us all. Older adults face special risks with age-related changes in the heart, lungs and kidneys, along with the body’s natural ability to keep cool. The addition of chronic conditions and certain medications can make heat, smoke, poor air quality… Read more »
Here in the desert, we’re surrounded by reminders of vitality and renewal—the natural beauty of the ocotillos, the way the palm trees sway with the wind, and the endless horizons that open as we hike through the mountains. It’s the perfect setting to explore what it truly means to age gracefully. Aging well isn’t about… Read more »
Maintaining balance as we age is crucial for overall health, independence and quality of life. Some of the many benefits of working to maintain balance include fall prevention, aging at home and maintaining cognitive and neurological health. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, often resulting in fractures, head trauma and even… Read more »
