The Human Body Unveiled: PDHS’s Health Academy Harnesses the Power of the Syndaver

At Palm Desert High School (PDHS), students in the three-year Health Academy program have the incredible opportunity to explore human anatomy with a hands-on experience using their new syndaver. By working on a life-like human model, students gain a deeper understanding of the human body and its intricate systems. One of the major pros of… Read more »

Brightening Your Smile

Have you noticed that your teeth appear darker or have more stains? Fortunately, today there are many treatment options to help whiten the teeth and brighten your smile.  External versus internal staining. External staining of the teeth commonly results from colored foods or agents coming in contact with the enamel. Individuals who use tobacco or… Read more »

Cryoablation for Breast Cancer

In 2019, I had cyroablation for my invasive ductal breast cancer. The 45-minute procedure was performed at City of Hope, one of the many facilities that took part in the FROST trial conducted by lead investigator Dennis Holmes, MD. The goal of the trial was to determine if this minimally invasive procedure, which freezes the… Read more »

Executive Presence: The X Factor

Following is an excerpt from Dr. Murphy’s new 3rd edition Maximizing Performance Management: Leading Your Team to Success used at Ivy League universities and corporate venues.  Years ago, I heard the comedian Jack Benny say, “I always play up to my audience.” To me, that means being respectful, gracious and inspiring confidence in the people… Read more »

Galleri: The Good Beyond Golf

With The Galleri Classic returning this month to Mission Hills Country Club (March 25 – 31), we were curious to learn about the progress of the Galleri test itself. Launched nationally in 2021, the test is a simple blood draw that can provide early screening of some of the deadliest cancers. A primary goal of… Read more »

Cataract Lens Dislocation

Although rare, a cataract lens implant can dislocate after surgery. Dislocations can occur in the early post-operative period of cataract surgery or even several years later. Any weakness to the zonular support structures or capsular bag that holds the lens implant can place a patient at risk for lens dislocation.   Symptoms of this condition… Read more »

Understanding Your Long-Term Care Policy

Long-term care (LTC) is a topic many of us would rather not think about, yet understanding your LTC coverage before you need to use it is an essential step in securing your future health and financial well-being.  LTC encompasses a variety of services and support to meet health or personal care needs over an extended… Read more »

Personalized TMS for Mood Disorders

Wandering through the tunnels of your mind, mood disorders create an emotional or physical upset, often impairing your ability to function at your peak. A mood disorder can take many shapes, from continued feelings of melancholy to experiencing emotional turmoil. Understanding and realizing these disorders is a giant leap toward ensuring mental wellness. The treatment… Read more »

Unlocking the Future: AI in Health Care

After exploring the fundamentals of AI in the first article and unraveling its benefits for patient care in the second, it is important to address the other side of the coin: the risks associated with using AI in health care and the essential measures needed to protect patients and their privacy.  Much discussion of the… Read more »

Debra LaCoppola’s Care 360º

Caregiving is hard, especially for those who circumstantially assume the role for a loved one or parent. Statistics show that family caregivers are at significantly higher risk of developing disease, depression, anxiety – and even dying before those for whom they are caring. Why? Because when caregiving for someone who has given so much of… Read more »

New Weight Loss Alternatives

In the dynamic realm of weight loss and health, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have emerged as transformative agents, offering renewed hope for individuals seeking effective weight loss solutions. Celebrities in Hollywood and the influence of social media have generated both excitement and misconceptions surrounding these new weight loss alternatives.  Let’s delve deeper into the science behind… Read more »

Freedom From FOMO

Before the days of social media (was there a time before social media?), there wasn’t the constant and perpetual inundation of the “go here, see this, try that, buy it now” culture. Back then, “slowbriety,” or taking things one day at a time, seemed to be more the norm because you had to wait to… Read more »

Adopting Healthier Habits this Year?

As we consider our fitness and nutritional goals for the new year, it’s also important to review our oral hygiene practices which can greatly benefit – or deter – our overall well-being.  It is recommended to brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes to help reduce the risk of cavities and periodontitis.… Read more »

Finding Peace During the Holiday Hustle

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness, but it can also bring a fair share of stress and anxiety. From the hustle and bustle of shopping for gifts to the pressures of hosting family gatherings, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. However, there are ancient practices that can help you navigate this… Read more »

CV High Honored as one ofAmerica’s Healthiest Schools

Coachella Valley High School (CVHS) recently received the distinct honor as one of America’s Healthiest Schools, a recognition awarded to only 781 schools nationwide for the 2022-2023 academic year.  Presented by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the distinction celebrates the key role schools play in advancing the health and well-being of students, staff, families… Read more »

Unlocking the Future: AI in Health Care

With the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), the health care industry is witnessing a revolution like no other. AI has already begun to reshape the health care landscape, from diagnosis and treatment to patient empowerment. In this second of a three-part series, I’ll explore how AI is currently used in health care, its future potential… Read more »

Core Leadership Skills: Setting Priorities and Managing Time

This article first appeared in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice (Sept/Oct 2023) and has been edited for length. Health care practitioners are navigating a time of significant change and uncertainty. Many feel burned out and exhausted after surviving the pandemic and are seeking help to set priorities and manage time more effectively.… Read more »