In September, the second annual Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit once again convened scientists, innovators, medical professionals and community members to discuss the impact of environmental factors on public health. Presented by the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, the event reiterated the environment’s impact on our most vulnerable populations, including east valley children and seniors,… Read more »
The holiday season asks a lot of us. Between family gatherings, social obligations, gift shopping, year-end work deadlines, and the kids’/grandkids’ school activities, it’s easy to feel you’re being pulled in a dozen different directions at once. What if, instead of white-knuckling your way through, you had an anchor—something that kept you grounded no matter… Read more »
This summer, the Pacific Institute, a global nonpartisan think tank, released “Breathing Hazard: Air Pollution in the Salton Sea Region,” describing and assessing complex and growing air quality threats in the valley. The Salton Sea – about 35 miles southeast of Palm Springs – is California’s largest lake and a major stopover for hundreds of… Read more »
The Indio High School Health Academy is a comprehensive four-year program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of health care professionals in the Coachella Valley. Through a combination of classroom instruction, clinical simulations and community engagement, students develop essential skills and earn industry-recognized certifications. The program has seen remarkable growth in recent years. The Academy… Read more »
Not many people are aware of the effects Ozempic and other semaglutide medications can have on the mouth. However, in clinical observation, many dentists are seeing oral side effects that are now commonly referred to as “Ozempic teeth.” Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, is an injection used along with exercise and diet to improve… Read more »
In today’s digital world, simply having a website or social media account is no longer enough. People are constantly searching online, comparing providers and making decisions, but what truly inspires them to act isn’t visibility—it’s credibility. And credibility, in this era, is built through trust. Trust has become the most powerful marketing tool. It’s no… Read more »
Let’s be blunt: if you think erectile dysfunction is rare, think again. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of those topics that many men hesitate to discuss, yet it affects millions worldwide. ED isn’t just about getting older—it’s an actual health condition that can strike at any age. What’s more, it can be a symptom of… Read more »
In my practice, I often see people struggling with low self-worth. They find it difficult to identify positive attributes in themselves and are usually underdeveloped emotionally. The cause of this deficit most commonly arises from family of origin issues, but there are other facets behind this disruptive problem that require exposure, exploration and processing towards… Read more »
For several years now, I’ve practiced what some call radical honesty. I chuckle even using that term, as if there is something radical about being honest. And yet, in our world of socially acceptable truths and polite evasions, it is. Somewhere along my path of evolution, I was introduced to the transformative power of living… Read more »
This summer, five Palm Springs High School (PSHS) students left the desert to compete on the national stage at the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Sports Medicine and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). These passionate students pushed themselves to proudly represent their school. HOSA – Future Health Professionals, previously recognized as Health Occupations Students… Read more »
In July, more than 600 licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs), students and supporters of whole-person care gathered at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells (and virtually) to celebrate the 40th Annual Convention of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). The landmark event, “The Heart of Naturopathic Medicine,” honored four decades of collective work to… Read more »
In the Coachella Valley, an extraordinary transformation has taken root. One that weaves together health and education—nurtured by community support for a rising generation of aspiring scholars. Through a collaboration born of goodwill, lives are being changed. This summer, during the 4th Annual Pulmonary and Critical Care Conference of the Desert, the Desert Institute of… Read more »
Burnout is no longer just a workplace buzzword. It’s a full-blown public health crisis. Whether you’re a professional, caregiver or volunteer, the emotional toll of constant responsibility can quietly erode your energy, empathy and sense of purpose. Originally coined in the 1940s to describe engine failure, “burnout” now captures the human experience of emotional and… Read more »
Blue Zones Project Palm Springs and Coachella have kicked off a series of interactive community events designed to create a happier, healthier, more vibrant community. Many of these are built around Moais, organized groups launched and run by Blue Zones Project teams that meet regularly around healthy habits such as walking, gardening and nutritious potlucks.… Read more »
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder best known for its motor symptoms, such as resting tremor and rigidity. However, many non-motor symptoms often appear years before movement changes begin.1 Fatigue, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances can have a profound impact on quality of life, and these are areas where mental health professionals… Read more »
On a quiet Saturday morning in May, a bomb went off just steps from where I perform surgery every week. It didn’t happen in some distant city. It happened here, at the intersection of Highway 111 and Las Palmas, right across the street from our surgical center. The target was a fertility clinic. One person… Read more »
Ask any parent or teacher what they feel are the most significant influences on the emotional state of their children and students and you’ll probably get various answers. However, most polls and surveys measuring happiness and depression cite social media use as a leading cause of depression, loneliness and isolation. To address this concern, the… Read more »
This September, our community comes together once again to shine the light on environmental issues affecting our valley at the second annual Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit. The solutions-oriented gathering will take place September 11-12 at the Westin Mission Hills Rancho Mirage and is free for all to attend. Presented by the Desert Healthcare District… Read more »
In the past, radiation treatment for breast cancer typically required a long course of daily therapy. Many women developed painful burns and unsightly skin changes toward the end of treatment. Advances in technology over the past 10 years now allow radiation therapy to be given in as little as five treatments to only a small… Read more »
Blue Zones Project Coachella: Meet the Team Coachella is making a tangible move towards a healthier future with Blue Zones Project up and running. This initiative, drawing insights from the blue zones regions of the world whose residents have experienced remarkable healthy longevity, aims to integrate healthier choices into the systems, policies and places that… Read more »