Winter is the season for many viral infections that cause congestion, cough and sometimes fever. We spend a fortune treating these symptoms, believing and hoping the medications are actually helping us overcome the infection. The truth is they are not. Most medications for congestion, cough and fever are counterproductive, preventing our body from eliminating the… Read more »
Medical News
Urgent Call for Volunteer Advocates for Boys in Foster Care
- Compliments of Voices for Children
- January/February 2025
Research has proven the benefits of a positive, reliable adult male figure in boys’ lives — but in Riverside County, only a small fraction of the boys who need these role models have them. To this end, Voices for Children is urgently calling for compassionate and empathetic men in Riverside County to step up and… Read more »
Redirecting Relationships from Disasters to Masters
- By Susan Murphy, PhD
- January/February 2025
My favorite psychologist, John Gottman, PhD, has studied relationships throughout his career. In his “Love Lab,” the world’s first couple’s laboratory which opened in 1986 at the University of Washington, he has studied over 3,000 couples. Because of this, he can predict within 15 minutes of an argument which marriages will end in divorce within… Read more »
Behavioral health professionals, college professors and alumni from College of the Desert (COD) and California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert (CSUSB), came together on Nov. 12 to inspire 200 students from six local high schools to pursue careers in health care, especially behavioral health and social work. The event, “Let’s Get Psyched!” was presented… Read more »
Blue Zones Project, a first-of-its-kind population health initiative, is making exciting progress in Riverside County with the announcement of its local leadership for Palm Springs and Coachella. Geoff Kors, former Palm Springs mayor and city councilmember, has been appointed executive director for Blue Zones Project Palm Springs, while Angela Zepeda, recently re-elected Coachella city clerk… Read more »
Local Kinesiology Course Creates Intergenerational Connection
- By Sarah L. Dunn, PhD, and Nicole Dabbs, PhD
- January/February 2025
Earlier this year, students majoring in kinesiology at California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert (CSUSB) had the unique opportunity to enroll in two courses, Physical Activity and Aging, and Exercise Testing and Prescription. These courses allowed students to interact and connect with adult community members in the Coachella Valley over a three-week experience titled,… Read more »
Elevate Every Day
- By Amy Austin, PSYD, LMFT
- January/February 2025
I believe our purpose on Earth is to elevate our positive experiences and lift each other up in an effort to make this world a better place. We can empower ourselves to do that. It’s not always easy and may seem daunting at times, but any challenges we face can serve as opportunities. Even just… Read more »
Among the many favorable reasons to live in the Coachella Valley, air quality is not one of them. The condition has worsened since tropical storm Hillary made landfall in August of 2023. Since then, concern has grown about the health effects of the air we breathe. Many are committed to elevating the conversation, a goal… Read more »
A New Holistic Support Group for Those Affected by Cancer
- By Lauren Del Sarto
- November/December 2024
Combining pioneering therapies with modern technology, a new support group has recently formed for those affected by cancer. Named New ECaP (New Exceptional Cancer Patients), it offers online sessions hosted by local integrative medical hypnotherapist Roger Moore in partnership with Cancer Pathways, and features guest appearances by renowned author and revolutionary wellness guru Bernie Siegel,… Read more »
Good Energy
- A Review by Joseph E. Scherger MD, MPH
- November/December 2024
Similar to Peter Attia, MD, author of Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity and host of The Drive podcast, Casey Means, MD, left her residency training in a surgical specialty to pursue a career in preventive medicine after graduating from Stanford Medical School. Rather than undoing the damage so many Americans inflict upon themselves… Read more »
The Wisdom of Years
- By Susan Murphy, PhD
- November/December 2024
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, the voices of older adults often go unheard. Yet, listening to them is not just a matter of respect; it is a crucial aspect of building a compassionate and informed society. Anthropologists agree that in prehistoric times, the accumulated wisdom of older people was a key to survival.1 It is… Read more »
The Health and Environmental Academy of Learning (HEAL) at Cathedral City High School (CCHS) is an accredited program that students traditionally join during their freshman year. During their four years in the academy, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of health care careers, learn life-saving skills such as first aid and CPR, and… Read more »
The Value of the Masculine Connection
- By Alison Mullins, CHHC
- November/December 2024
A new movement is taking place that brings emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate and purpose-driven men together in support and solidarity of one another. Since the beginning of time, society has pushed men toward a subtle, unique type of emotional isolation. Often, men don’t feel comfortable talking about their lives or how they feel about things… Read more »
Practicing Mind Mastery Over Chatter
- By Amy Austin, PSYD, LMFT
- November/December 2024
It’s taken many years to comprehend that I am not defined by my mind or my thoughts. This awareness has invited the exploration of a deeper self that quiets the daily internal chatter which, in the past, has attempted to define me and sadly at times has won. The knowledge, however, that I can master… Read more »
Vitality Zone Unites Community in the Name of Health
- By Lauren Del Sarto
- November/December 2024
Health advocate and Rancho Mirage resident Michele Stone had a vision to help others in her community live long and thrive. As a nutritional consultant with over 30 years of experience implementing educational programs, she saw the positive change that advocacy and action can instill. Inspired years ago by the international work of the Blue… Read more »
Social Media Management
- By Isning Gamez
- November/December 2024
In today’s hyper-connected world, social media has transformed from a place to share photos and updates to a powerful tool for business growth. It’s where brands can build relationships, reach new audiences, and most importantly, drive sales with just a few clicks. But merely having presence on social media isn’t enough anymore. The real magic… Read more »
Pay It Forward by Giving Back
- By Eleanor Oliver-Edmonds
- November/December 2024
The holiday season is a wonderful time for celebration, reflection and gratitude. As we wrap up the last quarter of the year, it is also an ideal time for entrepreneurs, small business owners and professionals to come together to give backthrough volunteering. The saying, “a rising tide lifts all boats,” embodies the potential and power… Read more »
What Makes a Great Caregiver?
- By Tammy Porter, DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM
- September/October 2024
As a nurse and care manager who has worked in the homes and at the bedside of older adults for many years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that a good caregiver can have on someone’s life. I’ve also seen the unfortunate effects of when a caregiver isn’t quite the right fit.… Read more »
The Power of Connection as We Age
- By Manish Sheth, MD, PhD
- September/October 2024
Aging should be something to look forward to: more time to travel and spend with family and friends. After all, it’s a part of life, albeit one that comes with a variety of changes—physical, emotional and social. One major challenge, especially as more seniors choose to live alone, is building social connections. Studies show that… Read more »
Pets as Medicine
- By Kelly Lewallen, LMFT, CED-S
- September/October 2024
We often get calls to our office from prospective clients interested in meeting specific staff members featured on our website. Those receiving the most requests include Bobby, director of fun; Tug, VP of treat acquisitions; and Miss Lulu, our anxiety specialist. You guessed it; they fall under the professional category of Canis lupus, aka dog. … Read more »