As we settle into our new normal, have you reconnected with your circle of friends? It seems many of us haven’t. According to a recent survey by American Perspectives, a large number report having fewer close friendships than they did in the past. We are not talking with friends as often and relying on them… Read more »
Mary Ann Martin was unaware of her Cahuilla Indian heritage until after her mother, Roberta Augustine, the last living member of the Augustine Band, died in 1986. In her early 20s at the time, she moved to the Coachella Valley with her three children and larger-than-life dreams to reclaim her history and re-establish the Augustine… Read more »
Each year, we look forward to the Global Wellness Summit’s (GWS) annual Global Wellness Trends Report. These fascinating concepts, ideas and innovations are often solutions to some of humankind’s most daunting challenges, and 2022’s trends speak loudly to the fragility of life and our planet. According to the panel of worldwide experts that contribute, people… Read more »
Do you find yourself drinking more these days? Life has been hard and it’s not surprising people are turning to happy hour to help lift spirits and get through challenging times. Over these past few years, we have experienced stress and unease like never before, and have struggled to adjust and adapt on a daily… Read more »
Have you heard of “The Great Resignation?” The phrase is commonly used in the business sector today to reference the vast number of people resigning from their jobs. Many are moving around or out of the workforce and numerous companies are experiencing mass exodus. The reference makes sense. But when I first saw this expression,… Read more »
Imagine your positive words and positive actions toward others as poker chips. Having a big stack of chips in your account can make you feel like a winner. Each of us has the power to give chips to others. A chip can be a compliment, a note, a favor and even a smile. Chips can… Read more »
Earlier this year, we introduced our “Eat, Drink and Be Healthy” column to offer savory substitutes to your favorite foods. We’ve featured salty snacks to replace chips, hearty veggie pastas, sugar-free ice cream sundaes — even sugar-free margaritas. But what if you’re simply not motivated to choose the healthier option? How do you find that… Read more »
Doesn’t it seem that many are in transition right now? Friends are changing jobs or starting new careers, others are taking sabbaticals and time to figure out their next steps, neighbors are selling homes and moving away, and businesses are reinventing the way to work. The new normal is looking quite different as people emerge… Read more »
Everyone experiences pressure in life. Sometimes it comes from outside influences, and other times from within. Pressure can be a motivator as well as an obstacle in achieving our goals. Sometimes we handle it well, and other times it breaks us. For competitive athletes, pressure comes with the territory, and those who learn to deal… Read more »
Something strange is happening with my social circle. We finally get the green light to gather, and many don’t want to step outside. Even the most gregarious are experiencing a bit of apprehension at this unleashing we’ve all been anticipating — including me. While excitement to hang out with old friends, support restaurants and return… Read more »
Frank Meadows was a high school track and field star with a promising future. He had a passion for running and dedicated himself to staying in shape. Raised in a military family, he entered the US Naval Academy Preparatory School at 17, looking forward to a naval career. Unfortunately, life had different plans for Meadows.… Read more »
The Champagne is chilling, and we’re all about ready to POP! Things are beginning to open up, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. We can’t wait for the days of hugs, hospitality, friends and festivals to return; these previously presumed pleasures are starting to feel within reach. March marks a full… Read more »
What led me to write this article is the noticeable increase in clients seeking help for their mental and emotional distress, particularly as the pandemic has drawn on. Is the rise in people seeking psychological help coming from the stress of the current pandemic’s circumstances? For many, it is. However, I’ve also seen a surge… Read more »
HAPPY DAY! WE MADE IT. 2021 is upon us, and we all get a fresh, new start. It’s time to set goals, ponder dreams and send forth our intentions for this brand-new year. While we might like to erase much of last year, there are many things learned worth carrying forward. We’ve gained a greater… Read more »
I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to 2021 being a better year – because I choose to focus on self-care and to live in hope. Let me be clear: hope is not optimism or the belief that everything will turn out well, and hope doesn’t mean denying our realities. Hope means facing… Read more »
Pandemic fatigue is setting in, and for many, so is apathy. Frustration at the limitations imposed on us as individuals and the world at large can be harmful, especially when we let it affect the way we treat ourselves and others. Apathy can lead to unsafe behaviors and disregard for those around us, which will… Read more »
So much has changed. The world has changed. I have changed. Those around me have changed. And life in the desert has certainly changed. While we each found our way to this unique place for different reasons – some to escape city life or retire in the sun, others to take care of parents or… Read more »
Last week I was at the market masked up like the Lone Ranger (and believe me that’s how I feel when I am wearing a mask sans my trusted horse Silver) walking up and down the aisles talking to myself (one of the perks of wearing a mask) when I heard, “Hello, how are you?” … Read more »
The many trials and tribulations over the past few months have certainly taught us a lot. One of the most valuable lessons demonstrated is the importance of taking care of ourselves – both physically and mentally. While seniors continue to be most vulnerable to this distressing pandemic, a new report from the Centers for Disease… Read more »
When I created Desert Health 10 years ago, one of the primary objectives was to elevate the work of our valley’s naturopathic doctors. Their philosophy of identifying the root cause of disease versus simply treating symptoms and “whole- person care” approach, taking time to understand and address lifestyle patterns, is significantly more effective than the… Read more »